College can be intimidating and scary, even going into a new semester. When I first entered campus, I remember fearing how large it was. There were so many people, I felt like a speck of dust. Even 2 years later, I still feel small compared to everything, but now I see it through a positive lens.
In my first semester, I didn’t try to meet many people, and I spent a lot of time in my dorm. I attributed my feelings to the newness of my situation. I made a couple of friends and being around new people helped me feel at peace. Being in class was alienating at first, but over time, I got used to talking to new people every day, and it did wonders for my mental health. Human interaction is proven to help our adjustment to new scenarios and can strengthen our confidence.
Being on campus while studying can seem pointless at times, but I found myself losing motivation at home and procrastinating. Being on campus, with like-minded people around reminded me of why I’m here, refocuses my sense of purpose. There are also more resources on campus, which provide immediate help while being in the study mood.
The college experience is different for everybody, and finding different ways to thrive is imperative to enjoying this opportunity. I’ve enjoyed what I’ve learned about myself over these last couple of years, and feeling lonely is something I no longer worry about.