August 23, 2023
Coming to college is an exciting experience that will take you out of your comfort zone. Coming to college might mean moving a few miles from home and starting the school year with your best friends from high school. Or you may be moving across the country鈥攐r the world鈥攖o a place where you don鈥檛 know anyone. No matter where you came from or who you know, if you鈥檙e feeling a little lost, we鈥檝e put together some tips as you continue to adjust to your new home.
You are not alone
While it may seem like others may be adjusting faster, you are not alone! It鈥檚 pretty much guaranteed that as you are adjusting to campus life and the college experience, others are experiencing similar feelings to you. There are so many ways to find friends and in time, you will find your place and people on campus. In the meantime, don鈥檛 be afraid to start up a conversation with someone new鈥娾�斺�妛hether they鈥檙e next to you in line at a dining hall or in one of your classes!
Leave your door open
If you鈥檙e hanging out in your dorm room, consider leaving your door open for others in your hall to say hello as they pass by. You never know what conversations you鈥檒l have, and a random interaction may be the start of a great friendship. At the very least, you鈥檒l set yourself up to see more smiling faces and start building relationships with those who are living around you this year.
Attend RSO events
As you start looking for ways to connect with communities across campus, recognized student organizations (RSOs) are a great place to start. You鈥檒l find opportunities to grow your interests, have laid-back convos and meet smiling faces passionate about a range of extracurriculars. helps you immerse yourself in different environments and new experiences as well as learn what different groups of students value and enjoy doing outside the classroom.
Detach from expectations
You may be coming into college with things you feel you have to accomplish immediately or preconceived ideas of what college will be like. If things aren鈥檛 matching up to expectations, don鈥檛 be too hard on yourself and try to adjust your expectations to be more present. Take time to explore your interests and campus in general, even if they don鈥檛 match up with your plan for your major or time outside class. The range of experiences in store for you will likely offer much more than what you expected from your time in college.
Don鈥檛 be afraid to reach out for help
Whether it鈥檚 academic planning, tutoring or reaching out to campus resources for mental health support, there are so many resources available to you鈥娾�斺�奱nd Huskers across campus who want to help. Here are just a few resources to keep in mind:
- CAPS: Most offered by Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) are completely covered by student fees. This includes individual counseling, support groups, therapy groups, etc. .
- CAST: The Center for Academic Success and Transition supports all students through one-on-one coaching, tutoring, workshops and more. .
- Husker Pantry: The Husker Pantry helps address students鈥� food insecurities by providing free food and personal items to students. Whether you need a tube of toothpaste, a can of soup or items in between, the pantry here to serve you. Just bring your student NCard. .
- Career Closet: Get ready to score that dream job or internship. The provides free, gently used professional dress items (shirts/blouses, blazers and jackets, ties, etc.) for all students. Get more help finding job opportunities with .
- Husker Hub: is your 鈥渙ne-stop鈥� spot for assistance with class registration, transcripts, enrollment verification, student bills, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), scholarships, grants, student/parent loans and work-study as you plan your path toward graduation.
- Safety: UNLPD has compiled a list of resources for personal and campus safety. .