Everyone gets a little stressed from time to time. It’s inevitable, especially during the first week of school in an environment you’ve never been in before.
But college is a different kind of stress. For the first time ever you have nobody telling you what to do or where you need to be. Your parents aren’t over your shoulder telling you to do the dishes. Your teachers aren’t hounding you to turn in your paper. It’s all on you now. You are responsible for yourself, and for most that is a terrifying feeling.
As a first-year student myself, I know that feeling of stress very well. I will not lie and tell you I had the perfect first week of classes. I did not. However, I’ve learned that managing all that pressure isn’t as difficult as it sounds.
Katie Krall, a first-year political science major, shared a similar experience.
“It’s definitely stressful,” Krall said. “I have a lot more time since I’m not in class for seven hours straight like I was in high school.”
For many first-years, adjusting to that free time can be difficult. Here’s my tip: stay organized.
At Butler, where every class has its own syllabus, assignments and expectations, it can be very easy to lose track of what needs to be done. Having just a little bit of organizational skills can come in handy. Google Calendar has become my saving grace. Not only am I able to see my schedule, but I am also able to input every homework assignment so I never miss a due date.
Finding a method that works for your personal style is key. Maybe that means getting a physical planner if you prefer that. Maybe it’s getting an app that does it for you, like Due Gooder or Notion. Or, if neither of those methods work, maybe it’s simply scheduling specific blocks of hours in your calendar dedicated to getting your assignments done. Whatever it is, it’s important to stay on top of your workload.
Staying organized doesn’t mean being productive every second. It’s just as important to make time for yourself. Another tip is to dedicate time to something you enjoy. Whether that’s enjoying a walk around our beautiful campus, listening to music or taking a nap, giving yourself time to relax after a long school day can help relieve some of the stress that comes with college.
Everyone has their own way of decompressing, and for me, that means getting into my cozy twin XL and writing about my day. Journaling has always been a helpful tool for me. When I write things down, it helps my brain breathe and get rid of all the wishy-washy thoughts that have been clouding my mind throughout the day. It also allows me to talk about what I’m feeling without having to actually discuss it with another person.
But then again, talking to my friends is incredibly important to me, too. Just like any first-year, connecting with my classmates and other students around me makes me feel good.
Sloan Kelly, a first-year art history major, discussed her experience with friends as a first-year being a stress reliever.
“I love going to breakfast or lunch with my friends,” Kelly said. “It makes me happy and it makes me get out of my head to just be in the moment.”
Humans need community. Making time to see friends and spend your free time with others can help reduce stress and improve your overall well-being.
Carson Ryan, a first-year business marketing major, also finds that socializing helps relieve stress.
“I like being around people and my friends and playing games,” Ryan said. “I just like having fun, so I guess socializing is a good stress reliever for me.”
College isn’t just about trying to get the best grades. Connection is also essential to getting through the school year, and Butler has many opportunities to put yourself out there.
There’s also a variety of clubs you can join, from the Butler Institute for Sports & Entertainment (BISE) to the new ice cream club. If clubs aren’t your thing, that’s okay.
There are also sports events to attend as well. Even before I became a student at Butler, I loved going to men’s basketball games. Those two hours were always such a great way to relax, spend time with friends and forget about schoolwork.
My point is to go have fun. Graduates always say these are “the best four years of your life,” you might as well make the most of them.
I know it’s hard to not feel stressed. It can feel like you need to have it all figured out during your first year, but you definitely don’t. Take some of that pressure off your shoulders. This is truly only the beginning. As long as you have fun, stay on top of your academics and give yourself some grace, your first year of college will go just fine.