Making the step from high school to college can feel like transitioning to a whole new world. For many first-year students at SUNY Cortland, the first couple of weeks of the semester can bring on a total variety of emotions. Being away from home, meeting a new variety of people, and dealing with academics can be a bit overwhelming. On a brighter note, with time and a good mindset, adjusting can get easier each day with the college experience.
One of the biggest changes a first-year student gets is the amount of independence gained when moving into college. For most, this is the first time fully living away from home, and it can be a scary change. Being fully responsible for daily tasks and having no parent or guardian to guide you can be weird. While the new freedom can be super exciting and new, it definitely can have its challenges.
Basic tasks like doing laundry, preparing meals, or tracking deadlines may seem daunting at first. Establishing a routine early is important. Setting reminders or using a planner are effective ways to stay organized. Building healthy habits, such as a consistent sleep schedule and regular study sessions, helps prevent stress later in the semester. Remember, independence does not mean you must do everything alone. SUNY Cortland offers resources like the Student Life Center, Residence Life staff, and peer mentors to support you during this transition. Asking for help shows strength, not weakness. Adjusting to a new place is easier with a strong support system. In the opening weeks, seek out opportunities to meet others. SUNY Cortland hosts events such as club fairs and sports outings during “Welcome Week” to connect students.
Getting involved on campus helps you meet people with shared interests. Joining Greek life, a club, an intramural team, or a volunteer group is a great way to connect and balance college life. Introverts can start by meeting peers in their residence hall or starting conversations before or after class. Feeling homesick is normal, especially in the beginning. Staying in touch with family and friends may help, but focus on creating a fulfilling college experience at SUNY Cortland. Building relationships with peers will help SUNY Cortland feel like home.
Schoolwork in college is typically more demanding than in high school. This can be a harder adjustment for many new students. At SUNY Cortland, professors often expect students to manage their time in an efficient manner and be focused on their studies. Staying on top of assignments can be easy when handled the right way. Every class should offer a syllabus to help guide the class for each semester. A syllabus consists of each week and its coursework, the professor’s contact information, office hours, assignments, and exam weights. This makes life way easier because each week’s work will not be a surprise. The Memorial Library and Help Center are great resources for study help. Creating study groups can be more involved and create less stress in the future.
While academics are important, it is crucial to make time for self-care. Whether it is hanging with friends or doing something alone that is comforting, it is smart to create a balance with schoolwork. College is a time of self-discovery and growth, so make sure to use the small amount of time we have. Mental health is extremely important, and SUNY Cortland offers counseling services for people who do not feel like they have someone to talk to. By embracing the new independence, creating relationships to last a lifetime, or finding a good balance, SUNY Cortland is the place to be.