University life is not ideal.. 5 things you should know before entering university

After years of caring for college students as a physician, as well as her own experience as a mother of two young adults, Dr. Jill Rhimes, author of The Ultimate Guide to College Student Health, realizes that many of the difficulties students face can be anticipated, overcome, or their effects limited, if they know ahead of time what awaits them. 5 things young people should know before entering university 1. Homesickness does not mean that you chose the wrong university. Students may feel lonely, sad, or have difficulty adapting, despite their expectations that university will be “the best years of their lives.”

They may have problems studying or sleeping, and miss their family. They may think that they made the wrong decision or disappointed their family, especially if they enrolled in the university of their dreams or were the first in their family to complete their university education. Social media may increase these feelings, as it often shows the best moments of others, not the difficulties they face.

Homesickness and feelings of isolation are common, but coping becomes easier over time. It is useful to stay on campus and participate in its activities instead of constantly returning home or isolating yourself in the room.

You can join an academic club, a volunteer activity, or a sports team to get to know people who share the student’s interests and form new friendships. 2. Good sleep is more important than you think. Fatigue may make daily tasks more difficult, and affect mood, concentration, memory, learning, and problem solving, which may negatively affect academic performance and increase anxiety.

Dorm rooms may not provide ideal sleeping conditions due to noise, lighting or heat. Therefore, you can use an eye mask, earplugs, or a fan, and agree early with your roommate about sleep schedules and privacy.

It is also important to maintain a consistent wake-up time as much as possible, because large variations between wake-up times during the week may confuse the biological clock and affect sleep quality. Academic anxiety does not mean that you are not qualified for university. University study is different from school, and students may need to acquire new skills to deal with exams, even if they were previously excellent students.

It is useful to visit the professors during their reception hours in the first two weeks, introduce yourself and ask questions, to build a relationship that will facilitate seeking help later. However, if anxiety reaches such an extent that the student is unable to concentrate or retrieve information during the exam, despite his good preparation, it is best to contact the university counseling center or health services.

Regular breathing techniques may help calm anxiety and break the cycle of panic. 4. Alcohol consumption can have consequences beyond one night Not all students drink alcohol, but its effects can affect others as well, especially when someone has to care for a friend who has consumed a large amount.

If a person is unconscious and does not respond when calling him loudly or trying to wake him up, he must seek medical help immediately and not leave him alone, as his condition may be dangerous. Alcohol also affects the ability to make decisions, and may cause a person to consume larger quantities than he planned or to make sexual decisions that he would not have made when he was fully conscious, which may lead to health, psychological, and academic consequences. 5.

Seek help before the problem gets worse. Whether it is a physical illness, anxiety, depression, or academic difficulties, seeking help early may make it easier to deal with the problem before it gets worse. It is best to get to know the counseling, health, and academic support centers in the first weeks of the semester, before the pressure on them increases.

Many of these services are included in university fees. If the student is taking prescription medications, it is beneficial to communicate early with the university doctor and learn about the available health system, rather than waiting until illness or injury.

Ultimately, college success isn't just about acing exams, making perfect friends, or avoiding trouble. Successful students face difficulties like others, but they know when, where and how to ask for help, and they do not hesitate to take advantage of it.