Adjusting to Medical School: A Balancing Act Be prepared. Grow. Be intentional. Succeed.

Uncomfortable/Hostility Stage Humor Stage Balance Stage Adjustment stages (Adapted from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte) Honeymoon Stage Uncomfortable/Hostility Stage Humor Stage Balance Stage

Honeymoon Stage Excited anticipation about being at SGU Sense of freedom Meeting new people/strong sense of welcome

Uncomfortable Stage Culture Shock: People/housing/food/classes Uncomfortable feeling of uncertainty Periods of great frustration, anger, anxiety, and sometimes depression Many personal responsibilities

Uncomfortable Stage Finding that the values, which you hold high are not respected or understood Feeling as if you had lost the ability to socially interact successfully. Fear that you will never get used to your new situation Homesickness, illness

Humor Stage: Initial Adjustment Starting to relax and laugh at minor mistakes You have made some friends, learned to manage and understand your studies, and you begin to pass your exams. Regaining a sense of control and routine

Mental Isolation Feeling that getting to know others is hard. Missing home again Values are challenged Feeling that no one else feels the same. Cliques may be forming

Balance Stage Making friends Connecting to the campus community Understanding many aspects of life at SGU Ability to navigate the demands of study and social life

Balance Stage: Adjustment and Integration Integrating good experiences with challenges Campus is becoming “home” Personal values reconciled with University values Less dependence on former peers

Which of these apply to you? Honeymoon Stage Excited to be away from home? Uncomfortable Stage Feeling homesick? Humor Stage Find humor in experiences Mental Isolation Balance Stage Able to balance student life with social life.

How do I know if I am having difficulty adjusting to SGU? Do you suddenly feel: angry over minor inconveniences? Irritability? Are you keeping away from friends, roommates, classmates, etc.? Are you feeling extremely homesick? Are you overeating or have loss of appetite? Are you experiencing lack of engagement? Are you in need for an excessive amount of sleep or not sleeping at all?

How to know if you are having problems? Are you experiencing: Headaches Upset stomach Small pains really hurt Feelings of depression Unexplainable crying Feeling sad or blue for many days Marital or relationship stress Loss of ability to work or study effectively Exaggerated cleanliness Feeling sick much of the time

Steps to feeling better! DON’T FREAK OUT!! Be Patient, transitions can be hard! Know that these feelings are NORMAL and everyone around you may be feeling something similar. Don’t be afraid of making mistakes! WE all make them… Get Involved & connect with other students How many student organizations are available at SGU? Join a study group Go out and meet other students Ask for help. Ask questions. Seek support. When possible interact with the local population. Don't succumb to the temptation to isolate yourself, even if it is within a group of compatriots.

Steps to feeling better! 3. Utilize the resources available to you. Psychological Services Center (PSC) Department of Educational Services (DES) Dean of Students Office (DOS) Advisors Registration fees pay for these services! Ask for help. Ask questions. Seek support. When possible interact with the local population. Don't succumb to the temptation to isolate yourself, even if it is within a group of compatriots.

Solutions Enjoy nature. Sit on the jetty, or take a walk. SGU Campus has many areas to sit and enjoy the ocean, a sunset, or just to be!

Solutions Practice time management Organize your schedule Classes Self care Home, etc. Stay on track by analyzing how well you are doing in class and how well you are feeling PRIORITIZE What is most important…? You can schedule time for the things that are important

Solutions Take care of yourself physically: get enough rest and exercise, eat well. Know that there is generally a solution to the problem that you face.

No worries, you will soon be going Home: There are breaks

Be intentional and succeed!