by Jezel Tracey '24 on September 9, 2022
Opinion Staff
Campus
Summer has ended and school has begun, which means one must take life seriously and get used to living with strangers again. Going from living with only your immediate family to people you don’t know is not always an easy transition.
Sometimes, it is an opportunity for you to create a new version of yourself that you want people to meet. Other times, it is a challenge for you to adjust to living with someone that you have never interacted with. Whether it be your first or last year, walking around every day and seeing new faces always takes some time getting used to.
Living on a college campus also helps one to realize how many different ways people grow up. From variations in routines to differences in food preferences, everyone comes from unique backgrounds.
At times, transitioning back to living on campus with other people can feel very uncomfortable and alienating. Especially when beginning one’s freshman year with no friends while adjusting to college life, living on campus can feel very overwhelming and isolating.
From the awkward silences to the annoying small talks, coming back to campus will take some time to get used to.
Moving back on campus means remembering the place you live is the same place you study and work. The thought of that, plus having the responsibility of figuring your life out, can feel very emotionally and mentally draining.
However: you are not alone in feeling this way. It is important to acknowledge that being in a new or familiar space with new people will never feel comfortable. Once it is realized that most people on campus are experiencing this feeling, it is easier to feel at home in this new environment. When walking past crowds of people and feelings of insecurity arise, try to remember how the same people you might think are having the time of their lives, may be experiencing the same exact feelings as you.
Whenever feelings of discomfort and uncertainty arise, do not ignore them. Instead, become aware of them and do something to change them. “Getting out there” does not always equate to going to a party. Whether it be signing up for a new club, attending campus events, or randomly talking and getting to know someone in your residence hall or outside of your class, there is no doubt that you will start to feel more comfortable and acclimated to “living with strangers.”
If you are not up to date with campus events, the Morning Mail sent to your school email will have most, if not all, the information you need. Do not be afraid to talk to someone you are not friends with. After all, how would you be able to make friends without first talking to someone you don’t know? Of course, it might not be something you enjoy doing, but eventually it will all be worth it.