College Adjustment

Perceived Expectations: Greater Personal Freedom Living on your own for the first time means that you will gain independence and take charge of the many choices and decisions your parents and teachers made for you in the past. Living on your own means you can do what you want, when you want. Class attendance When and how to study Choose who to socialize with and the types of activities to partake in Choose from a variety of clubs and organizations to join Choose what to put in your body and how much to eat and drink Choose when to clean, do laundry, and care for person self Choose sleep pattern Decide your own schedule Employment opportunities

Perceived Expectations: New Environment and Relationships Students can look forward to: Meeting new friends Dating Adapting to professors teaching style Joining clubs and organizations Employment opportunities and Roommates and adjusting to new living arrangements Diverse cultures and backgrounds New community to become familiar with

Reality: Greater Personal Freedom & Stress Increased personal freedom is a positive change which can produce a lot of stress. The stress of leaving home can lead to many emotions such as feeling lost, angry, confused, insecure, sad, depressed and lonely. It is very important to monitor yourself and use positive coping strategies to help the transition go as smoothly as possible. Communicate with your loved ones from home often Express emotions and feelings in a healthy manner by: Journaling/Blogging Artistic expression Talking with someone Join a support group Bring significant items of personal value and nostalgia to college Connect with others on campus by: Getting involved in clubs and organizations of interest to you Utilize the resources on campus to help cope with your new atmosphere Take care of self by: Eating in moderation 6-8 hours of sleep each night Enjoyable physical activity

Reality: Changing Relationships Students must learn to balance a sense of connectedness and separation while attending college. Students will experience a variety of emotions while learning to adjust to relationship shifts. Old friendships may alter, growing a part as you both go through self discovery Romantic relationships turned long distance may be more of a stress now that you and your partner are separated for longer periods of time Roommate conflict can be caused by different living habits Balancing newly formed relationships with already established ones Changing view of self, values, ideas and beliefs which may cause conflict with self and/or with old and new relationships

Reality: Added Responsibility and Time Management Daily responsibilities coincide with greater personal freedom. Basic Tasks: Eating Sleeping Exercising Going to class Complex Responsibilities: Balance studying and social time Budgeting/Finances Employment Clubs/Organizations Personal care Hobbies

College Adjustment References Alexander, J. S., & Gardner, J. N. (2009). Beyond retention: A comprehensive approach to the first college year. Retrieved on 9/19/2012 from: http://www.jngi.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Beyond-Retention-A-comprehensive-approach-to-FY.pdf Counseling Center at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. 2008. Adjusting to college. Retrieved on 9/19/2012 from: http://www.counselingcenter.illinois.edu/?page_id=139 Wayne University Advising Center. (2007). College is different from high school. Retrieved on 9/19/2012 from: http://advising.wayne.edu/hndbk/different.php

Campus Resources Counseling & Psychological Services: Lawrence Center, Second Level 705 S. New Street, West Chester, PA 19383; 610-436-2301. Individual and group services. Department of Public Safety: Peoples Building 690 South Church Street, West Chester, PA 19383; 610-436-3311. Crime reporting and investigation, safe escort on campus. Learning Assistance Resource Center: 224 Lawrence Center, West Chester, PA 19382; 610-436-2535. Tutoring, study skills and more. Office of Student Conduct: Ruby Jones Hall, Room 200 West Chester, PA 19382; 610-436-3511 Dowdy Multicultural Center: Sykes Student Union, Room 003 West Chester, PA 19382; 610-436-3273. Services promoting academic achievement and personal well being. Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: 114 W. Rosedale Avenue, West Chester, PA 19383; 610-436-2433. Mediation and investigation of complaints of harassment and discrimination.

Campus Resources cont’d. Campus Recreation: 275 North Campus Drive, West Chester, PA 19383; 610-436- 1732 Student Health Services: Commonwealth Hall, Ground Floor; 610-436-2509 Twardowski Career Development Center: 225 Lawrence Center 705 S. New Street, West Chester, PA 19383; 610-436-2501 Center for Women & Gender Equity: Lawrence Center, Room 214 West Chester, PA 19383; 610-436-2122. Resources, support, referrals for all women's issues. Writing Center: FHG Library Room 251, West Chester, PA 19382; 610-430-5664. Writing assistance start to finish. Financial Aid Office: 25 University Avenue, Suite 030, West Chester, PA 19383; 610- 436-2627 Scholarships: http://www.wcufoundation.org/scholarships/