A lot of students struggle with leaving behind the lives they have always known. The effects of maladjustment I have most noticed in college are kids dropping out and depression, which can lead to thoughts of suicide. It is important to analyze the causes of maladjustment so students can be provided with helpful options and resources, and so that Northwestern’s campus, as well as other campuses across the country, can be happier and healthier.
Whether a student’s school is in another state or just in the next town over, there is a lot that they leave behind, including families and childhood friends. Despite promises to remain friends forever, students often get so busy with classes and clubs that they lose contact. This is something I experienced firsthand this summer when I watched both of my best friends move away to schools that are not too far from NU. Still, I know that their days are as hectic as mine, and it has been hard to keep in constant contact. Fortunately, I am able to see my family almost every week. I can only imagine how difficult that must be for students who move to a new state or even to a new country for school.
On top of losing old friends, it can be difficult to make new friends. Coming to a new school where everyone is a stranger can be stressful. Although it might feel awkward at first, the best way to make new friends is to put yourself out there. Joining clubs and sports teams is a great way to meet new people. I joined American Sign Language Club and met a lot of really cool people, who all shared my interest in learning ASL. Residential colleges often hold events, such as firesides, where students can get involved with the people in their buildings while becoming informed on new topics. Greek life is also a great way to meet new people and form lasting friendships.
Besides social stressors, academic challenges can hinder students’ abilities to adjust to their new lives in college. Here, almost all of the students were at the top of their respective classes in high school and were accustomed to academic success. However, college classes are a lot more challenging than many students expect; when the students don’t do as well as they had expected or wanted, they feel like they have failed or they want to give up. In high school, psychology was my favorite subject, and I was great at it, and although I still love the subject, I could definitely be doing better in my current developmental psychology class. I studied for about six hours over the course of a week and when I saw my midterm grade, I was upset and I knew I had to change something in order to do better.
One of the main things that students have to change once they enter college classes is the way they study. A lot of students at NU probably never had to study for tests in high school because the tests were just easier. In college, some students continue to not study for tests, and others don’t know how to study effectively. It is really helpful to go to review sessions if your teachers holds them. Also, teachers and teaching assistants are always willing to help, so go to their office hours with questions or concerns.
Finally, students may not have anyone to talk to about the challenges they are facing, especially if they have only known their new friends for a month. This can cause them to feel alone and depressed. It is always a viable option to make use of Counseling and Psychological Services. It also helps to find a few minutes in your hectic day to call home and talk to your parents or friends.
As students with so many resources available on this campus, there is always a way to change a difficult situation. NU and its students do a great job of providing helpful services and resources. With more than 2,000 students enrolling at NU each year, and many more students across the country making this drastic life change, it is important make sure all these students are as happy and healthy as possible.
Katy Vines is a Weinberg freshman. She can be reached at [email protected]. If you would like to respond publicly to this column, send a Letter to the Editor to [email protected].
