Find Your Community

Whether you are a first year student or entering your final semester, forming new and meaningful relationships can be intimidating. Support networks are vital for both your physical and mental health and can help ease feelings of homesickness. A simple place to start is within your own residence hall or living space by taking the time to get to know your roommates or neighbors. Practice an open-door policy or reach out directly through community boards to let others know you’re interested in connecting. If you are living on campus, your resident advisor is a great point of contact, and is there to provide support in all aspects of college life, including questions about resources or conflicts with roommates. Keep an eye out for community events, as both residence halls and off-campus apartments often offer activities to broaden your connections. 

One of the best ways to feel more connected is to get involved on campus. During Wolfpack Welcome Week students, faculty and staff are able to discover all NC State has to offer while meeting new peers and colleagues. The Moonlight Howl and Run is a signature event hosted by Wellness and Recreation and NC State Dining, which features a 1.6-mile fun run and post-race activities, including a DJ and photo booth on Stafford Commons. The Student Involvement Fair, taking place on Friday, Aug. 23 is another great way to foster connection while getting involved with student clubs and organizations, or discovering new career opportunities.

Stay Organized

In order to be successful in your college courses, organization and time management are key. Keep track of your schedule, class requirements and important due dates with a planner or calendar, which can be physical, digital or both. Syncing your obligations into one calendar view may be helpful to see a full picture of your day by having academic, social and work tasks visible in the same place. 

To avoid fatigue and information overload, consider using a study timer to help keep you focused, like the Pomodoro Technique. All you need is your phone or device timer, or by downloading an app, such as the Pomodoro Focus Timer for Apple or Android users.

Use Your Resources

If you are having difficulty settling in, NC State has many resources available for assistance. Wellness and Recreation offers wellness coaching, where nationally-certified coaches provide guidance and goal-setting on topics like nutrition and stress management. All NC State students are allotted four free sessions per semester, with the opportunity to attend more sessions at affordable prices. 

Another great resource is the Academic Success Center where you can enjoy a variety of free resources and programs to promote learning and skill development. Some of these opportunities include one-on-one tutoring, writing consultations and peer mentorship.

For your emotional needs, be sure to utilize the Counseling Center which offers individual and group therapy, workshops, off-campus referrals, embedded counselors and more. Currently-enrolled students receive counseling at no cost, and have the opportunity for additional appointments through the teletherapy platform Mantra. Prevention Services provides several programs and initiatives centered around mental health and well-being, including inclusive education, outreach efforts and student-led drop-in spaces. 

Taking advantage of resources early, before you face potential challenges, allows you to build a strong rapport and establish a lasting relationship with your coach, mentor or counselor.

Remember to Be Patient

In college, there’s a strong pressure to “get it right,” but it’s perfectly normal to feel confused, unsure or overwhelmed at times, and adjusting to a new routine takes time. Mistakes are part of the learning process and not definitive of your worth to be here. As you move forward, you will become more familiar with your surroundings and gain confidence in navigating college life. Start off your year right by taking advantage of the amazing opportunities and resources available. Your future self will thank you.