How you can beat the freshman blues

When I first moved on campus, I would have never expected to feel as down as I did. I was entering a completely unknown area with almost everything I owned hoping that everything will work out in my favor.

I had no complete understanding on what exactly I got myself into, but I knew that there was no turning back once I got started.

Moving into my dorm was the first time I have ever lived independently. Technically, I wasn’t fully independent because I had a room mate, but it was my first time being away from home.

It was depressing.

Being a first generation college student did not help much either. I had little to no help in terms of mentally preparing myself for starting a new life away from home because nobody around me really knew much (or anything) about life at a university.

Although home for me was not that far compared to others on campus, it was still a huge transition. I believe that I still went through the same emotional rollercoaster that some out of state students may have experienced.

It’s very common for first year students to feel the “freshman blues”, but for some odd reason, everyone seems to believe they’re alone. Whether you are battling homesickness, an identity crisis or the stress of a loaded schedule, the best way you can beat the freshman blues is to fight it and win. Here are three ways you can:

1. Call your friends and family regularly

I used to cheer myself up by talking to the people I missed the most. Personally, my older sister was my go to. Calling your loved ones can give you a sense of home through the palm of your hands. The Truth About Travel And Homesickness, a blog written by Phil Rosen said that your family, friends and hometown can be a part of who you are. You don’t want to lose a significant part of yourself. Keep in touch.

2. Go out and find yourself

Undergrad is a great time to truly find yourself. There are so many opportunities on campus that are given to you. You can join a club, develop a new hobby or find a secret talent that you did not know you had. The options are endless. You will never know unless you give it a try. I would have not found love for my major if I had not joined a club on my campus. Getting myself out there opened so many doors for me. Taking the first step is the foundation of possibly creating a new life for yourself on campus.

3. Open yourself to meeting new people

One thing I wish I would’ve done was make myself more available to make new friends and connections. I spent a lot of my time in my dorm without an interest in meeting people. I forgot that another part of college is meeting new lifelong friends. I realized that once I was ready to go out and make new friends, everyone had already been through that point in the semester and I struggled to find my sense of belonging. You would want to take advantage of meeting others. They may be your lifelong friend.

Of course these are not the only ways you can get yourself out of a funk during your first semester in undergrad, but it’s a huge start! Although the first semester may be tough socially, once you get through the rough patch, everything seems to be easier.

How did you overcome your first semester?