One word reverberated through the minds of many freshmen as they arrived on campus last week: "Finally."
But some of those students who awaited the freedom of college spent their days alone in their rooms moping and waxing to return home.
These students are the victims of separation anxiety.
"I experienced homesickness just at the thought of starting college because I'm very close to my mom and my friends, and I was afraid to leave them," said freshman Amy McGarvey.
Several different factors can cause separation anxiety, such as homesickness and a feeling of inferiority in a new atmosphere.
While many students experience apprehension similar to McGarvey's, other students embrace the college experience by setting high expectations for themselves.
Many faculty and advisors encourage students to set goals for themselves in to create a sense of stability.
But expectations that are too high cause stress and pressure.
"Some of my homesickness was related to the fact that I set too many expectations for myself," McGarvey said. "I expected to meet new friends that would last a lifetime, and I expected to excel academically, and I expected it all to happen right away."
Although separation anxiety and the transition to college life is often difficult, it's not hopeless. Different methods exist to ease stress and sadness.-á
For example, Wilson Hall Resident Adviser Kelly Hedinger suggests getting involved in a campus activities.
"If you do not get involved in campus activities and instead sit in your dorm room missing someone or something, it will only make the transition to college life that much more difficult," Hedinger said.
Students can also decorate their dorm rooms with mementos from home to create a type of comfort zone or find solace in discussing their loneliness with students.
Good nutrition, exercise and at least seven hours of sleep also help relieve stress and prepare students to face the challenges of college life.
In addition to these tips, many programs also exist on campus in order to ease the adjustment process.
The Counseling Center is open to students every day to provide advice or support. The center also publishes online a program called "Concerned Charlie," which functions much like a "Dear Abby" column. It anonymously prints student questions and answers them.-á
The programs of Welcome Week, the Freshman Advising Center and the Freshman Connections program also provide students with an introduction to college life and give them the opportunity to meet other students with similar interests.
"The Welcome Week activities were really good because it allowed the students to meet other people in the hall and provided the opportunity to socialize," McGarvey said.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
