1. College Adjustment

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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:
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:

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

9. Campus Resources cont’d.
Campus Recreation: 275 North Campus Drive, West Chester, PA 19383;
Student Health Services: Commonwealth Hall, Ground Floor;
Twardowski Career Development Center: 225 Lawrence Center S. New Street, West Chester, PA 19383;
Center for Women & Gender Equity: Lawrence Center, Room West Chester, PA 19383; Resources, support, referrals for all women's issues.
Writing Center: FHG Library Room 251, West Chester, PA 19382; Writing assistance start to finish.
Financial Aid Office: 25 University Avenue, Suite 030, West Chester, PA 19383;
Scholarships: