"Weirdness" of beginning college feeling.?

Question

I just started yesterday, and it hasn't been to bad, but I miss home, and I still feel awkward living here. Does that ever really stop? If it does, what is the avg time for each student to start living "comfortably?"

Also as the first week starts, chances are I will be going to bed around 2, because that's when I usually go to bed. For other college students: If one person goes to bed earlier does that usually cause problems? (Chances are it's going to be my roommate going to bed earlier)

I've made a few friends, but am still waiting to find my "group."

Thanks.

Answer 1

Hey Ryan, I was just flipping through questions and noticed yours. I'm 32, so it's been a while since I had my first day of college. It was strange being away from home, and I had some friends from high school that were at my school. I think the best thing you can do is meet as many people as possible. Don't be shy, allow yourself to open up and participate in classes. It stuck with me for about three weeks, then I was studying a lot, and having so much fun out of class that I kinda forgot about the homesickness.

With regards to the roommate, just talk it out. Let them know up front that you're a late night guy. I was too, and my roommate wasn't. He was pretty cool though, I just did my own thing and didn't bother him too much. Of course he was a morning guy, and I so was not. It worked out though, talk it out and I'm sure it'll be fine.

Good luck, and have fun! College was the best time of my life, that's for sure.

V

Answer 2

It's always awkward going to college and living away from home. I went through the same thing you went through last year at this time and it was just... different.

You miss home because you've been there for 17-19 years of your life. If you stay busy, meet people, keep caught up in your classes, it really makes things go more smoothly.

I am originally from the Midwest and went to college way out west at Arizona State University. I ended up transferring for various reasons (not because of homesickness) and to keep myself from feeling awkward about living there/being homesick, my days consisted of this (maybe it will help you):

1.) Wake up (obviously)

2.) Classes during the day and catch up with reading during free time

3.) After the day ends, go play basketball, football, or something with your buddies. Get a good work out whether it's a pick-up game of something or actually going to lift.

4.) Get dinner, relax for a couple hours with friends. Take the stresses off of you.

5.) Get your homework done and since you go to bed later, homework all night is what will keep the day seem short and your mind off home.

On weekends, it all depends what you do. If you go to a big University, chances are football games are happening on Saturday and that will keep you busy.

My biggest advice on helping you stay comfortable is keeping your eye on school work and getting a good workout. Those are two main things that help people keep their mind off of their actual home.

Answer 3

"Does that ever really stop?"

Depends. For most I'm sure it does. But plenty of people leave their new school in order to attend some where closer to home.

If it does, what is the avg time for each student to start living "comfortably?"

There is no average. It depends etirely on the person.

Answer 4

well ...i can tell you this...

that feeling does go away (i am currently a senior in college). the first year is the hardest. you miss home so much for the first couple of weeks. then you'll find a group of friends or get involved in clubs or whatever and you'll start to feel more comfortable. just give it time. there are tons of people that feel the exact same way as you. just get involved in clubs or some sort of social activity on campus and you will start feeling more comfortable and having more fun!

now as far as the roommate sleeping problem. freshman year i had a roommate who liked to stay up all night (like until 5 or 6 in the morning) and would sleep the entire afternoon/evening after his classes. it actually wasnt much of a problem at all. i slept quite well the entire year. the tv would be running or he would be on his computer but the noise/light didnt disturb me at all. just tell your roommate if he has a problem with it to let you know. the last thing you want is to get into a fight with your roommate. i'm sure he'll be cool with it and you guys can work something out where you both will be happy.

good luck at school. hope you have fun :)

Answer 5

Give it another few weeks.  Either that, or give it a year and make do with the people you can find around you and the routines of classes.

I didn't find my "group" until about 1-1.5 years in.  They were the people who were always in all of my classes once I got into some of the basic requirements within my major.

The awkwardness. . . yeah, that really varies.  Once you get the routines established, then it'll feel less odd.  Sometimes, it *still* feels odd to me to be on my own and away from home -- and I'm starting my 10th year of college life.

As far as sleeping goes, you just need to work that out with your roommate.  Different people are going to have different tolerances for noise levels when they want to sleep as well as have other quirks when it comes to alarm clocks and getting up, so you probably just need to talk about that sometime soon and reach an agreement of some sort.

Answer 6

Yeah, it'll go away in time as you get more comfortable with everything.

As far as the roommate (I assume you're in a dorm), it can cause problems.  My suggestion would be to iron that out between you two.  Also, find somewhere else you can go (like another dorm room) some nights to hang out or you'll both get real tired of each other, regardless of any agreement you work out.

Answer 7

Yes!  

It will def. go away - it may take a weekend, a week or a month but soon you will be calling it home!

Eventually you will not want to leave on breaks, you will want to stay with your friends at your new home.  Just take it one day at a time, relax and most importantly ENJOY YOURSELF!

Answer 8

You have only been there a day man.  Give it a week or so and I bet you find you are already having the time of your life.  The friends you make your freshman year tend to be the best friends you will make in college.  Your group will come around, but its not like highschool.  There isn't nearly as much cliquiness.  Just keep meeting people are remember they are in the same boat you are and everything is new to them.  As far as your roommate is concerned just discuss it with him.  If he goes to bed early and is a light sleeper then just do quiet activites at night.  Be considerate and everything will be ok.