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 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. o Class attendance o When and how to study o Choose who to socialize with and the types of activities to partake in o Choose from a variety of clubs and organizations to join o Choose what to put in your body and how much to eat and drink o Choose when to clean, do laundry, and care for person self o Choose sleep pattern o Decide your own schedule o Employment opportunities

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

 Communicate with your loved ones from home often  Express emotions and feelings in a healthy manner by: o Journaling/Blogging o Artistic expression o Talking with someone o Join a support group  Bring significant items of personal value and nostalgia to college  Connect with others on campus by: o 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: o Eating in moderation o 6-8 hours of sleep each night o Enjoyable physical activity 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.

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

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

 Alexander, J. S., & Gardner, J. N. (2009). Beyond retention: A comprehensive approach to the first college year. Retrieved on 9/19/2012 from: content/uploads/2011/10/Beyond-Retention-A-comprehensive-approach- to-FY.pdfhttp:// content/uploads/2011/10/Beyond-Retention-A-comprehensive-approach- to-FY.pdf  Counseling Center at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Adjusting to college. Retrieved on 9/19/2012 from:  Wayne University Advising Center. (2007). College is different from high school. Retrieved on 9/19/2012 from:

 Counseling and Psychological Services: Lawrence 241, Individual and group services.  Department of Public Safety: 690 S. Church St Crime reporting and investigation, safe escort on campus.  Learning Assistance Resource Center: Lawrence 223, Tutoring, study skills and more.  Office of Judicial Affairs & Student Assistance: Sykes 238,  Office of Multicultural Affairs: Sykes 003, Services promoting academic achievement and personal well being.  Office of Social Equity: University Ave Mediation and investigation of complaints of harassment and discrimination.

 Campus Recreation: Ehinger Gym Rm  Student Health and Wellness Services: Wayne Hall, 2nd Floor  Twardowski Career Development Center: Lawrence 106,  Women's Center: Lawrence Rm 100, 2nd floor Resources, support, referrals for all women's issues. /  Writing Center: Lawrence Writing assistance start to finish.  Financial Aid Office: 25 University Ave  Scholarships: