I was super anxious about starting college and maintained intense dread about it for several months. But when my college drop-off day actually arrived, it was less dramatic than I thought it would be. It was definitely difficult, but I was okay—and you’ll be okay, too. Even if you’re beyond worried about starting college, I believe that you’ll be fine. And over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing some tips with you that I’ve found helpful as I’ve begun to adjust to college life, including these three tips:
1. Stay close to God.
I can almost guarantee that as your classes (and assignments) ramp up, you’ll be tempted to skip your quiet time. Staying up late to unwind with popcorn and a movie and then sleeping in because you’re tired (because you stayed up late) can quickly become a bad habit. I’m definitely guilty of skipping my quiet time to sleep in. But it’s so important for us to remember that not spending time with God regularly will have negative consequences. In the moment, it might not feel like a big deal to put off your quiet time, but there are so many blessings of choosing to do it in spite of how you feel.
2. Realize that other people feel the same way that you feel.
Though people tend to put a lot of effort into hiding their insecurities from others, the truth is that everyone feels insecure sometimes. It’s totally normal to feel a little uncomfortable, awkward, or nervous. The students around you are getting used to their new surroundings and schedules just like you are. It can be comforting to recognize that you’re not the only one who feels insecure in your new stage of life.
3. Remember that you just have to get through today.
I understand how overwhelming it is to begin the semester and be instantly bombarded with information. Reviewing syllabi can be a terrifying activity. But do your best to take this semester one day at a time. Focus on your assignments that are due tomorrow and/or next week. Then focus on your assignments that are due later in the semester. Every single day is a gift, and we should thank God for them. He’ll provide the strength that we need.
“Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:7-9 NKJV)
Tizzie's Tidbits of Truth 