top Res College fearsHow to overcome the

TOP RES COLLEGE FEARS

Moving away from home to study and live on-campus is a massive decision.The excitement starts to build when you enrol in your courses and receive your offer for accommodation. As the time to move draws closer, you may also find yourself starting to become nervous and even a little scared about what the next chapter of your life will hold. You may have heard different rumours about what living on-college is like and might be worried that it isn’t for you.

Moving away from home to study and live on-campus is a massive decision.The excitement starts to build when you enrol in your courses and receive your offer for accommodation. As the time to move draws closer, you may also find yourself starting to become nervous and even a little scared about what the next chapter of your life will hold. You may have heard different rumours about what living on-college is like and might be worried that it isn’t for you.

Having these fears and thoughts is completely normal, and a natural human response to the unknown! The unexpected and unfamiliar can be quite daunting for some people. We hope this information will help you push past any fears and worries you may have about college life and living on-campus.

I’m not going to make friends and I won’t Fit in. Lots of people feel this way when they first move to college, but there will be other people who share similar interests to you. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to new people; you might be surprised by the amount of friends you make!

I don’t know my way around. What if I get lost?If you come on-campus during Orientation or Open Day, you can go on a campus tour to learn your way around. Why not also grab a map, or tag along with someone who already knows the campus and can show you where to go? Remember: if you aren’t sure where you are, it’s ok to ask someone to point you in the right direction. If you do get lost, you won’t be the only one!

I’ll lose contact with my friends and family back home.There are lots of ways to ensure you keep in contact with your family and friends back home. You will have internet access on-college, which means you can access social media and Skype. Both are great ways to keep in touch. You will also have a telephone in your room, so if you are worried about saving pennies, you can give your family and friends the number and they can call you. You can also have mail sent to your room while you stay on-college, so why not become pen pals with some of your friends from home?

My parents won’t let me be as independent as I want to be. Moving to college means you have to be a bit more independent, but don’t completely cut contact with your parents. If you aren’t sure about how to set boundaries with your parents, the College Community Advisor or someone from Student Services can help.

I won’t get invited to any social events.Many of the parties and social events on-college, such as semi-formal and formal, are for all residents to attend. If you have your own ideas for parties and social events, they are always welcome.

I don’t know who to go to for help.While you live on-college, there are numerous places and people you can go to for help, which may vary depending on the type of assistance you require. Feel free to have a chat with one of your College’s Resident Advisors, friendly office staff, the College Community Advisor, Student Services or The Learning Centre. You don’t need to be ashamed when seeking out help. Support can be completely confidential.

I want to do well in my studies but I don’t want people to think I am a ‘nerd’.Everyone is at uni to study and everyone has different study patterns. Your friends will understand if you need some time to study, especially if they are studying too. Your friends can also offer you support during stressful assessment times. Study as much as you need to, but remember to take breaks to recharge and find your study-life balance.

My family and friends won’t be able to stay with me when visiting. When you live on-college, you can have a friend or family member come and stay with you for a visit. Have a chat to a Resident Advisor or one of the staff from the office about a ‘stay of guest’ form. There may be a small fee for your guest, but they will be provided with a mattress, pillow and any linen they may require during their stay.

Everyone will make fun of me if I get homesick. You may be surprised by the number of people who get homesick while they live on-college. Remember to keep in contact with your friends and family at home, and encourage them to come visit. Why not make time to go home as well? If it is too far for you to go home for a weekend, head home on the semester breaks. Homesickness is nothing to be ashamed of and there are plenty of people like the Resident Advisors, College Wellbeing Advisor and Student Services staff who can assist you to feel better.

I’ll be pressured into partying and drinking or using other substances.Living on-college isn’t one big party. College is an environment where you are supported through your university journey. While you’re encouraged to attend some parties and social events on-college, you will not be forced or pressured into attending them. If you are being pressured to drink when you don’t want to and you’re not sure how to approach the situation, speak to one of the Resident Advisors. It’s important to remember that any substances that are illegal in Queensland are not permitted on-campus. If you have any concerns, you can speak confidentially to one of the Resident Advisors.

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It is common for people to be unsure about what to expect when they first move to college. If you are a bit nervous or even scared, you aren’t alone. Lots of people feel this way and chances are, your parents and friends at home are nervous and scared for you too!

Don’t be afraid to ask a question. You can always chat to another resident, a member of the collegiate team, the friendly office staff or someone from Student Services. We’re here to support you during your learning journey.

We can’t wait to meet you!