How to Survive Your Freshman Year (Part 2)

Part two of our interview begins with answers from special editor, Frances Northcutt.

Q: Since our audience at Divine Caroline is primarily women, let’s talk about some of the issues they might be concerned with. Do you believe that it is harder for young women to leave home than young men? What can help freshman women adjust to being away from home?
A: Of course, every student is different, but college administrators agree that in general, today’s students are much closer with their parents than past generations were. And although that may make it harder for students leave home, new technology makes it easier for students and parents to be constantly connected even when they’re separated by hundreds or even thousands of miles. This is not always a good thing! It’s hard to become truly a part of your new college when you’re on the phone with mom and dad every half hour.

Moms and dads, you can support your daughter by encouraging her to start taking “baby steps” towards independence. Let her know that you believe in her ability to cope with the adjustment process. If she calls you with concerns about her classes, encourage her to see an academic advisor. If she’s having roommate problems, suggest that she talk to her RA. As she discovers that she can identify her problems and find help through appropriate campus resources, she’ll feel more and more capable and confident.

Q: What advice could you give someone who is concerned about making new friends at college?
A: Whenever I teach a freshman orientation class, I ask the students to write down their hopes and fears for freshman yea—and I’ve definitely noticed some differences along gender lines. Although male and female students share fears about falling behind in their classes and being overwhelmed by work and stress, there is one topic young women are more likely to discuss: friendship. Many freshman women value close relationships so much that they describe their number one hope as something along the lines of “making at least three good friends this year” or their number one fear as something like “not knowing anyone and being left out.”

Lauren from the University of Georgia offers some reassurance: “Remember that you’re not the only one who is starting from scratch with few or no friends. Most of the people there are in the same situation.” And since other students may be just as concerned as you are, they’ll appreciate it if you reach out to them! Show up at freshman events, smile, and introduce yourself to new people. It’s okay to be nervous or scared; just don’t let those feelings stop you from trying.