New Students
Give Yourself Time
Starting university is a transition into a new way of life that you will share with new people. Like any major life transition, beginning university can bring excitement as well as anxiety.
Being away from familiar support systems can increase your anxiety. When starting university, it is helpful to keep two key points in mind:
- You are leaving behind familiar people, places, and routines.
- You are adapting to new people, environments, and situations.
Meeting new people, adjusting to a new academic system, and taking new courses can feel overwhelming—but this is entirely normal. In the first few months, you may experience intense emotions (stress, anxiety, fear, etc.), but this is a temporary phase. Successfully transitioning to university life depends on how well you manage your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors during this period.
Important Things to Remember:
- You are not alone in feeling this way. Many other new students are experiencing the same emotions.
- Feeling anxious is a natural process and does not mean you are inadequate.
Tips for Adjusting to University Life
- Give yourself time: The things that seem overwhelming now will soon become part of your daily routine.
- Recognize and accept your emotions: Leaving a familiar environment and entering a new one can be stressful. The first step to adapting is understanding the source of your anxiety
- Avoid making impulsive decisions: Do not rush into major choices like leaving school or returning home. Take your time and, if needed, seek advice from a trusted person or a counselor.
- Engage in social activities: Joining student clubs and participating in activities will enrich your student experience. Meeting experienced students and exchanging knowledge will also enhance your interpersonal skills.
- Take care of your physical health: Maintain a balanced diet and sleep schedule. If you struggle, do not hesitate to seek professional support—remember, physical health affects mental well-being.
- Set university goals: Defining realistic goals and pursuing your interests and skills will help you stay motivated and move forward.
- Avoid harmful habits: Smoking, alcohol, and substance use will not help you cope with stress. Additionally, be mindful of internet and gaming addiction, ensuring they do not interfere with your daily responsibilities.
- Prioritize academic and professional success: Attending classes regularly and keeping up with responsibilities will make your academic life easier. Setting career goals will be one of the most valuable steps toward success.
Other Important Reminders:
✔ Give yourself time to adapt.
✔ Maintain a balance between study and leisure.
✔ Avoid unnecessary absences.
✔ Get your university email and check it regularly. Also, stay updated with your university’s website.
✔ Establish daily routines and hobbies that keep you motivated.
✔ Do not hesitate to ask your professors questions about your courses.
✔ If you are struggling with anything, visit the Psychological Counseling and Guidance Center for support.
All services at the Psychological Counseling Center are conducted with confidentiality and ethical principles in mind. The center provides guidance on managing psychological challenges, setting realistic goals, and achieving them. In individual counseling, you can discuss personal concerns in a safe space, working towards solutions with your counselor. In group counseling, you can explore your emotions, relationships, and personal growth in a supportive environment.
When Should I Seek Counseling?
Students can seek support from the Psychological Counseling and Guidance Center if they are experiencing:
- Difficulty understanding themselves or others
- Feelings of loneliness or shyness
- Challenges in interpersonal communication
- Low self-confidence or difficulty being assertiv
- Stress and anxiety
- Career uncertainty
- Lack of motivation or decision-making difficulties
- Grief and loss
- Sleep disorders
- Depression, self-harm, or suicidal thoughts
- Issues related to eating, alcohol, or substance use
- Adjustment difficulties
- Any other issues that are interfering with academic success
Whether you have lived with family or experienced a dormitory setting before, moving in with a new roommate can feel intimidating. However, this will be a valuable and enriching experience. This guide has been prepared to help you navigate this transition smoothly.
Your roommate does not have to be your best friend, but mutual respect is essential. Building a relationship takes time and effort—be patient.
Understanding Roommate Conflicts
One of the most common challenges is conflict with your roommate. A key reason for conflict is the mistaken belief that our roommate thinks, feels, and perceives the world the same way we do. In reality, everyone is different.
Your roommate may have different values or come from a different culture. What seems normal to you might not be the same for them. Therefore, the first step is to get to know each other.
Getting to Know Your Roommate
Start with general topics rather than jumping into personal matters. Asking simple questions can make the process smoother:
- What’s your name?
- Where are you from?
- What’s your hometown like?
- What are you studying?
- What’s your favorite movie?
- What’s your favorite book?
- When is your birthday?
- What kind of music do you like?
- What did you do this summer?
- How do you feel about being here?
- Who is in your family?
Discuss Your Expectations for Dorm Life
Once you get to know each other, talk about expectations and set some ground rules for living together. This does not need to happen on the first day, but having this conversation early on will prevent misunderstandings later.
Remember, these rules are not set in stone. They can be adjusted as needed through mutual agreement.
Topics to discuss:
✔ Cleanliness and organization
✔ Shared spaces and belongings
✔ Study habits
✔ Sleep schedule
✔ Guests and visitors
✔ Daily routines and habits
It is unrealistic to expect your roommate to be just like you. Be flexible when setting rules to create a comfortable shared space. If needed, you can even write down your agreed-upon rules.
What If I Have a Conflict with My Roommate?
Having rules does not mean conflicts won’t arise. If you experience issues, follow these steps:
✔ Talk to your roommate directly – Avoid discussing the problem with others, as this can escalate the situation. Find a suitable time and place to talk.
✔ Address the issue promptly – Don’t let negative feelings build up. Ignoring a problem won’t make it go away; it will continue to affect you.
✔ Focus on behavior, not personality – Your roommate has positive qualities too. Instead of saying, "You are always like this," be specific: "I didn’t like it when you borrowed my headphones without asking."
✔ Use "I" statements instead of blaming – Rather than "You never wash the dishes!" try "I feel frustrated when the dishes are left unwashed."
✔ Listen to their perspective – You may have misunderstood the situation. Give your roommate a chance to explain.
✔ Stay calm and composed – If emotions get out of control, the situation may worsen.
✔ Seek help if necessary – A neutral person, such as a resident assistant or dorm supervisor, can help mediate.
✔ If conflicts persist, seek support from the Psychological Counseling Center.