By SOPHIA SIRUCHEK
With decision day looming in the near future, high school seniors all over the world are feeling apprehensive, overwhelmed, and, quite honestly, terrified. This is nothing new and certainly nothing to be ashamed of, the good news is that none of them are alone, and there are ways to alleviate some of these stressors.
The transition from high school to college is a significant milestone in a teenager's life, often accompanied by a mix of excitement and apprehension. Many teenagers experience fear and anxiety about this new chapter due to the numerous changes and unknowns that lie ahead. Concerns about academic pressure, social adjustments, financial burdens, and the fear of leaving the familiar comfort of home can make the prospect of college daunting. Understanding these fears is crucial in helping teenagers navigate this pivotal period with confidence and resilience.
Get your paperwork in order
Records you may need to bring include a government-issued photo ID, your bank information, health and immunization records, evidence of insurance, and other legal documents. Perhaps one of the most important steps is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a form that students can use to apply for financial aid for college, career school, or graduate school. The FAFSA is free to complete and submit. The FAFSA application form is a very crucial process that you will need to complete. It is very important that you sit down with a parent or legal guardian because you will need a lot of their information as well.
According to student aid.gov “[FAFSA] gives you access to the largest source of aid to help you pay for college or career school. In addition, many states and colleges use your FAFSA information to determine your eligibility for state and school aid. Some private aid providers may use your FAFSA information to determine whether you qualify for their aid as well.”
Student at WHS, Grace Outly, recently filled out her FAFSA application. She informed me that when she and her mom saw that the FAFSA applications were out, they made sure to get it done immediately. It took them a lot longer than they had both expected. However now that they are done they were able to relax and breathe a sigh of relief.
Find a roommate
In today's day and age finding a roommate is easier than ever. Instagram and other platforms have become popular places to search for roommates. People post about available rooms or look for others to share a place with. Not only do people use instagram the most to find a roommate, they also use it to see who they could become friends with before going to the school. It's a more modern way of finding a roommate. Picking your roommate and speaking to them prior to dorming makes it a lot more peaceful. You may want to be sure to set boundaries, while also being laid back and being able to get along.
Familiarize yourself with the campus
Getting to know your college campus before starting is super important. Familiarizing yourself with the layout, buildings, and resources can help reduce anxiety and make you feel more at ease when you officially begin. It's like having a head start and feeling more confident in your new environment. Have you started exploring your future college campus yet?If you go to school on your first day and don't have many friends who know the campus it will build a lot of stress and anxiety. Once you are committed to a school it is recommended to go visit once more before your first day to be sure you know the campus well.
It's totally okay to be scared about starting college. It's a big change and comes with a lot of new experiences. Just remember that feeling anxious is completely normal. I hope my tips have given you some comfort and practical ways to handle the transition.
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