A university degree is seen as essential for people to enter the workforce, and many nations rely mostly on it to produce graduates who can work in various industries and advance their nation. As a result, affordable higher education is available.
Additionally, university education helps people build their social network, improve their critical and creative thinking, and equip them with practical life skills. The university is ideal for forming lifelong friendships because it brings individuals from all backgrounds and classes together. One never forgets those who went through the most wonderful times in their lives and who worked hard to accomplish the same objectives as them.
However, moving to a college a few months after graduating from high school can be difficult after a student has spent at least 12 years in education, all in the same general setting with the same classes, schedule, and tests. Even though many universities try to support and help freshmen, many students encounter challenges before fully participating in university life. Certain universities arrange for orientation sessions to acquaint freshmen students with all aspects of the institution. Anyway, these challenges remain, and we'll discuss the most prominent ones in this article. So, keep reading.
Incoming College Freshmen Issues
Students face many challenges at the beginning of university life. These can differ based on whether the university is domestically or overseas, but the majority are widespread, with the following being the most notable:
1. Self-Reliance Necessity
This is one of the biggest issues that students face, especially those who are used to having people help them with their studies in the past. Most students rely on a sibling or parent during their school years. However, university coursework differs in that it frequently depends on independent study via the Internet, books, and written reference research.
One must be sufficiently passionate about one's academic specialisation to succeed in this, as a person's love for a subject encourages them to learn more about it and explore it in depth without feeling that it presents a challenge. Universities depend on students to complete assignments and research papers because they need to gain experience, become more productive, and show off their skills.
2. Housing Issue
Since 90% of university students must relocate to the city where the university is located to complete their studies, finding appropriate housing becomes an issue. In government universities, students may or may not be able to secure a place in university housing, as fees are usually symbolic. Therefore, we find a large number of students applying for university accommodation. As a result, it is essential to arrange ready-made housing before departing, enrolling in the university, and beginning classes.
3. Lifestyle Change
The student receives various forms of support from their parents and siblings during school. They return to find lunch ready, laundry done, hot water for showering, and a suitable atmosphere for studying. Their mother may offer sweets, fruits, or other nutrients to increase their concentration. However, they will have to get used to doing all of the tasks above by themselves while in college, including cooking and laundry.
At first, this puts a lot of pressure on the person, but eventually, they grow accustomed to handling different tasks on their own. Not only that, but having roommates adds to the pressure. It takes serious time for the person to adjust to living with people with different upbringings. Rules about cleaning schedules, meal preparation, and sleeping schedules should be set for cohabitation to prevent this and ensure that no one interferes with the activities of others or keeps them from studying.
4. Social Reasons
Students may initially experience culture shock as they adjust to a new environment that unites many individuals from various communities, religions, and cultures. Many students who have received better support and instruction might encounter this problem when visiting more developed nations.
In addition to the cultural and linguistic divides that expose many students to racism, differences may arise in the university as a result of unequal educational opportunities. In addition, university students may come across some who lead extremely free lives, something they are not used to, which may initially cause them to lose confidence in themselves.
5. Difficulty in Forming Relationships or Friendships
Although it's widely believed that universities are the best places to build solid, long-lasting relationships, one of the hardest things for freshmen to deal with on campus is relationship formation. I vividly recall crying during my first university lecture because I was missing all of my school friends, and the faces around me were strange and unfamiliar. There were numerous categories and forms.
Eventually, you find yourself with others who are working toward the same thing, and you develop a close relationship with them. Therefore, instead of isolating yourself at university out of concern about running into unfavourable people, try to get to know everyone and only pursue a closer relationship with those who make you feel comfortable. Avoid negative people as much as you can, especially those who make fun of your appearance, accent, etc.
6. Financial Issues
Students face financial issues when starting university as they must pay for tuition, housing, transportation, and other expenses. Also, they may need to set up their room if it is unfurnished and purchase study essentials like a laptop, books, and courses. Though some may need to work for a while to save up the money required to begin university, everyone can gradually overcome these obstacles. Choosing a job that does not conflict with university time is necessary.
7. Time-Management
Previously, there used to be a set schedule for studying at home and school. From the points above, it is clear that during the university stage, students must effectively manage and organise their time between attending classes, taking care of personal housing matters, working when needed, and getting enough sleep. Neglecting any of these aspects affects various other tasks, leading to a decline in the student's studies.
8. Psychological State
When starting college, one's psychological state is very important. The student may feel homesick if they travel to another country or city, leading to a sense of not belonging to the new place. However, remember that everyone experiences the same feelings. Therefore, students can help each other overcome this difficult stage. Technology has now helped bring people closer through video calls and other means.
How to Overcome Incoming College Freshmen Issues?
To adjust to the new environment, the following steps can be taken to address the previously mentioned issues:
1. Time-Management
You can create daily, weekly, and monthly schedules that list your personal and academic responsibilities, assign deadlines, and ensure you follow through on them. Achieving a balance between social commitments, academic obligations, and personal life is crucial for students. Tasks should be recorded and prioritised to reduce stress, complete critical tasks first, and maintain a healthy balance. Never assume that your personal life is less significant than your academic pursuits. People require downtime and self-care to study and excel in their academic specialisation.
2. Participation in Different Students E-Groups
Or others that bring together students from the same university majors.
3. Joining International Student Groups
Which increases a student's life experiences and widens their circle of friends by introducing them to various cultures.
4. Setting Time for Fun
Strong relationships can be formed by participating in university events, trips, and celebrations.
5. Acquiring Knowledge About the University Where You Intend to Study
To understand what to expect when adjusting to university life, try to learn everything there is to know about the university you plan to attend by asking current students or browsing the internet. Avoid being taken advantage of by a particular party.
6. Learning the Language
As one of the most difficult challenges at the start of university studies, concentrate first on learning the new language when travelling to another country or city. Rely on self-learning by using the internet and various instructional videos to help you become proficient in the language rather than relying solely on courses.
In Conclusion
A new, enjoyable and challenging journey begins after completing the school journey and holds the key to the future. However, because of the ways it differs from earlier educational phases, students initially encounter some challenges and issues.
The inability to rely on others is a prominent issue as they are now primarily responsible for their personal affairs and other things. Furthermore, housing issues can occur because students occasionally have trouble finding housing in university dorms, necessitating them to find housing before enrolling in classes and beginning their studies. Additionally, university life sometimes requires living with people from different backgrounds, necessitating time to adapt to them.
Most students face financial problems at the beginning of their university stage due to fees that must be paid and study necessities that must be purchased. However, adapting to university life can be accelerated by engaging in various university activities with international students and others to build lasting friendships and enhance their university experience.
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