September is a time filled with mixed emotions; as you experience feelings of excitement, fear and nervousness about what is to come. There are so many new experiences and transitions you may encounter throughout your first year such as; additional independence; adjustment to a new institution; the building of a new home; and the making of new friendships and the separation from old friends. It can be really difficult adjusting to these changes. If you are nervous about making new friends, enjoying yourself at Durham College, doing well in your classes, or missing those who you are close too, you are not alone many new students share those same feelings. Through the many changes that you may experience over the next few months, there is always someone who can help you around campus.
Below you will find some information on the following topics and some ideas to help you though the transition:
- Orientation
- Learning about your campus and new community
- Meeting new people
- Homesickness
- New learning environment
Orientation
Orientation is set up to provide activities to students in order to help break the ice so you can begin to make new friends and become acquainted with the campus before classes begin. Orientation provides students with a variety of fun and exciting events to meet new people and make new friends; you will quickly learn that many students here are experiencing the same things as you are. Make the most of the next month and thrive to create new networks and make new friends. Click
here for more information on getting involved throughout the year.
Learning about your campus and new community
Take some time to learn more about your campus and your new community. Become familiar with the
Student Success Services, they are here to help you be successful. For information on what is happening throughout the year check out the
Student Life calendar and
your SA. Take some time to be a
tourist in your new community.
Meeting new people
There are many opportunities to make new friends. For those in residence, participating in residence activities will be your first opportunity to meet new people. No worries if you are not living in residence you will still have opportunities to meet new people. Don't forget to check out
intramurals and the on
campus clubs. Of course there are also all the other students that are sitting in your classes, each one represents a potential friend to be made…
Homesickness
There is a possibility that you may experience the feeling of homesickness if you are living away from home. Do not be afraid or embarrassed to admit it, we have all been there. Call or e-mail your family or friends at home to let them know what you have been up too, or for advice, your family and friends can be a great support system to seek for advice and comfort while at Durham College.
By participating in activities on campus you will begin to feel more comfortable and become a part of the family like atmosphere we all enjoy on campus. Visit the
Get Involved web page for more information about what activities are available on campus, with over 60 student clubs on campus there is something for everyone!
New learning environment
College classrooms may be a little bit bigger, the required reading many be lengthier and the work more intense but with some adjustments you can do it. Durham College is committed to your academic excellence, take advantage of the wonderful services that the
Learner Support Centre provides.
