What to Expect

... Just like Clockwork: the Rhythm of College Life

Certain times in the academic year tend to be universally challenging to students. Parents who understand the ups and downs of the first college year are better able to help their students negotiate the challenges of transition to college. Here are some of the typical adjustment issues faced throughout the first year:

September

Excitement
Welcome Week events commence – College traditions are established
Testing new-found freedom
Frequent calls and visits home
Homesickness and loneliness
Anxiety about roommates, professors, classes, new environment

October

Roommate problems begin to arise
Student questions: “Do I fit in here?”
First set of Midterm exams
First test grades returned
Love relationships from home remain strong
Consequences of decision-making experienced

November

Midterm grades returned
Roommate challenges become more clear
Many exams and papers due before Thanksgiving
Excitement and/or anxiety regarding going home for Thanksgiving
First series of campus-wide illness (cold, flu, strep, etc.)

December

Anxiety over preparations for finals
Excitement and/or anxiety regarding going home for holidays
Sadness about leaving new friendship and/or love relationships
Roommate challenges continue

January

“Fresh Start” mentality sets in with new quarter
Satisfaction and/or disappointment with Fall Quarter grades
Homesickness
Loneliness for love relationship back home
Relief being away from home and back at school

February

Feelings of claustrophobia and depression set in with winter
Change of weather affects motivation. Early morning classes become harder to attend
Potential increase in alcohol and other substance abuse
Challenges with love relationship back home
Valentine’s Day brings out loneliness, isolation

March

Anxiety regarding finding roommate(s) for next year
Excitement or disappointment regarding Spring Break plans
Final exam stress
Concern over summer employment
Concern over winter weight gain

April

Third quarter “new” resolutions
Excitement with arrival of spring
Concern over declaring major and career options

May

Burn out and low motivation
Uncertainty of summer plans
Large student events, Sun God (possible alcohol-related activities)
Anxiety of returning home for the summer

June

End of quarter pressure
Final exam anxiety
Apprehension about returning home for summer
Sadness over leaving new friendships and/or love relationships at school
Realization of how college influences life decisions
Sense of accomplishment and new found self-confidence
Higher levels of anxiety

In addition to these more predictable stressors, students may experience the following concerns throughout the academic year.

Missing family birthday and holiday celebrations
Missing participation in family traditions
Wanting involvement with family maintained, but expecting their desire for complete freedom to be respected (Blimling, 1999)

Adapted from Hatch, Cathie and Richard H. Mullendore. Helping Your First-Year College Student Succeed: A Guide for Parents. National Orientation Directors Association, 2000.