.png?itok=9iSFSUVe "Experience Extended Stays and Special Savings at Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort UAE")
![We Tried [u]bk's Lively Garden Brunch at Mövenpick JLT Dubai](https://cdnexpatwomanfood.expatwoman.com/s3fs-public/urban%20bar%20and%20kitchen%20brunch%20main.png "We Tried [u]bk's Lively Garden Brunch at Mövenpick JLT Dubai")
Whether you're entering freshman year of college or a returnee to pursuing higher education, check out these handy tips!
6 August 2024
| Last updated on 6 August 2024
8 tips to adjust from high school hallways to college campuses...
As the beginning of a new academic year approaches, many students are preparing to transition from high school to universities abroad.
This phase offers an opportunity to forge new friendships, mature, and transform their passions into career paths.
Nevertheless, it can also be a source of anxiety as this could be the first time students leave their homes and familiar support networks, encounter new individuals, and adjust to a different educational setting.
Balancing this transition can be sometimes draining and stressful, so we got some tips from St. George’s University School of Medicine to help students cope with these changes.
1. Maintain Your Old Connections
Students often miss their high school community when they begin university. It's crucial to stay in touch with their social circles, family, and friends.
Setting up WhatsApp groups before leaving can help former classmates keep in contact and stay updated with each other's lives.
Equally important is staying connected to oneself by acknowledging and understanding personal emotions. Journaling about experiences and feelings can help in feeling better.
2. Make New Connections
It's beneficial for students to connect with peers who are also attending the same university. This can enhance their overall experience and ease the transition into a new academic environment.
Building a network of friends before arriving can provide a sense of belonging and support, making the journey less stressful.
3. Avoid Comparing Yourself to Others
Students might be tempted to compare themselves to others who seem to handle the transition better. However, this can harm their confidence, well-being, and may lead to the feeling of imposter syndrome.
Everyone comes from different backgrounds, so it's vital to focus on personal goals and progress. Maintaining a healthy perspective can help manage pre-university anxieties.
4. Get Organised
Being organised can make the transition to university life smoother. Planning ahead, such as organising an agenda for the first week on campus, can help students settle in and manage their new responsibilities effectively.
Extend this structured approach to other aspects of life, ensuring a balanced schedule between study and relaxation.
5. Set Realistic Expectations
Accept that it’s normal to face challenges and feel homesick initially. Setting realistic expectations about your transition from high school to university life can help manage disappointments and keep motivation levels high.
6. Join in Campus Activities and Events
We recommend joining as many university clubs and societies, and participate in events to meet new people to expand your horizons and discover new interests.
Engaging in some extracurricular activities at college is a proven way to build your own social circle and feel part of a community.
7. Seek Help & Guidance When Needed
It’s imperative to get out of the mindset that seeking help is a sign of weakness.
In fact, the opposite is true so don’t hesitate to reach out to counselors or mental health professionals if you begin to feel overwhelmed with all the new experiences.
8. Incorporate Relaxation Techniques in Your Routine
Learning how to relax is essential for managing stress, both before and during university.
Mindfulness techniques such as yoga, meditation, muscle relaxation exercises, deep breathing, and guided imagery can help students stay calm and focused, especially during exam periods and other challenging times.
To sum up, some students might find the transition from high school to university life a challenging period, especially if it involves traveling abroad.
However, there are ways in which students can cope with the anticipation of making new friends, academic pressures, and leaving familiar support systems behind.
If students still find themselves looking for guidance, students can check if their university has specialised departments offering support to international students that may be missing home.
For example, St. George’s University School of Medicine has the Global Students Lounge, dedicated to offering support for international students.
Check in with your university or college for any support services available to global students who may be struggling to adjust to life abroad.
.png?itok=EH_x0Pha "Experience Extended Stays and Special Savings at Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort UAE")
