What to Expect

August

• Homesickness and feelings of insecurity are common.
• Sharing a room is a new experience.
• Initial adjustment to new academic environment and social life occurs.
• New and unfamiliar places and people seem overwhelming.
• Long distance relationships are navigated.

September

• For some, homesickness is more intense. For others, it fades.
• Roommate conflicts begin to surface.
• Some begin to feel disenchanted with college life, finding it isn’t what was originally envisioned.
• Academic reality arrives (long homework assignments, first quiz grades, test anxiety).
• Old study habits might not be working.

October

• Anticipate mid-term exams and grades.
• Some might feel a sense of loss and failure associated with grades.
• Struggle to handle social pressures of drinking, dating, sexual activity.
• If open option, may start to feel pressure to declare a major.
• Time management conflicts are a common concern.
• Expect some restlessness for a break or vacation.

November

• Pre-finals stress emerges.
• Academic pressure begins to rise due to procrastination or academic load is more demanding than expected.
• Student may focus efforts to maintain grades or make up for a rough start.
• Changes in weather, busy schedules, and poor eating habits make colds and sickness more likely.
• Depression and anxiety can increase.
• Financial concerns can emerge.
• Roommate conflicts may begin or intensify.

December

• Final exams may mean all-night studying and extra efforts to secure desired grades.
• Excitement builds for winter break and family time.
• Time management pressures are common due to academic demands and extracurricular responsibilities.
• Students worry about what it will be like back home for break.
• Some students may wonder if their major is right for them.

January

• Some students may experience homesickness.
• Relationships may have been strengthened or terminated over break.
• Stress associated with the new semester may appear.

February

• Students may feel pressure to keep up with school work.
• Applications for many student organizations or leadership roles begin.
• Student may over-commit to student activities.
• Anxiety over relationships or lack thereof may surface.
• Planning for summer jobs or internships begins.

March

• Mid-term exams and mid-term grades are expected.
• Anticipation for spring break builds.
• Concern for summer jobs or internships continues.
• Questions about the fall semester—class schedules, confirming major, living options—surface.

April

• Stress and fatigue continue.
• Academic pressure builds as finals near.
• Pre-enrollment for the fall begins.
• Financial pressures may increase.
• Spring fever may cause concerns about focus, lack of significant other, etc.
• End of year banquets and student organization activities are scheduled.

May

• Finals week creates some feelings of stress and anxiety, followed by relief.
• Packing and moving are necessary for some.
• Students may feel excitement of reconnecting with old friends and sadness over leaving new friends.
• Concern builds over parents’ reaction to grades and moving home.
• If starting summer school, concerned about not taking a break.
• If starting a new job, concerned about learning the expectations.