Handling Changes: Opinions from a College Freshman

Article by Sarah Thomas

Entering freshman year of college is an intimidating feat for many and the change that we once were excited about can become daunting in an instant. Although it may not seem like it, we all experience the same feelings within the first few weeks. Instead of neglecting these feelings, we should look around and realize that we are not going through it alone. 

Being a freshman this year at the University of Maryland, I have gotten the opportunity to meet some amazing new people. I have also had the opportunity to hear from a diverse group of freshmen and how they were feeling during the first half of the semester. 

Marley O’Connell, a freshman biology major, discussed how difficult it was to get into the swing of things and to be able to balance everything. “Adjusting to the lifestyle here is one of the hardest parts because there’s a lot more free time so there’s a lot more balancing of time,”,said O Connell. This is a lesson we all learn through our first semester and balancing social life and priorities can often feel overwhelming.

Jake Fassenfeld, a freshman in letters and sciences discussed how hard it was to leave his friends and family at home. Leaving what you have known for so long and entering a new environment can be difficult for almost everyone. He is grateful for those he has met but is excited about the future, he said. 

Jacob Bletcher, a freshman psychology major, pointed out how hard it was to adjust to the dorm lifestyle itself. The confined amount of space was hard to work around, he said. Personal time and space are important for everyone during college and adjusting to this new lifestyle and environment of sharing space is not easy. 

Routines are something that we all have whether we are conscious of this idea or not. Sometimes its as simple as brushing our teeth in the morning, but other times navigating which components of a routine to include is a difficult task. This is a roadblock many of us face, and the independence that comes with attending a university such as Maryland is apparent. How we handle this independence is what makes all the difference. 

Many students, who are facing these challenges find it helpful to block out certain days, or even hours throughout the day and weeks to decompress. On campus, there are many spaces where students have this opportunity, such as McKeldin Mall, campus libraries, as well as various serene seating areas. Personally, I find it helpful to get outside as much as possible and really take advantage of my alone time. 

So, next time that you think that you are alone in feeling this way, remember that you are not. Prioritizing your own mental health and providing yourself with what you need to succeed is most important, and in time this once-intimidating change will become your greatest motivation.