The first day of school is always remembered, whether in elementary school, high school, or college. However, making the leap into University life is a much more significant moment. It means taking an important step in your academic life and it also means starting a new stage in life, full of new experiences. For many people it also means to start all over in a new country.  This is why going to college can be a scary idea for students. Generally, the questions that always go around in our heads are the following: Will I have new friends? Will the subjects be very difficult? What kind of teachers am I going to find? Other concerns may also arise such as: How difficult will the new life I am embarking on be? Who can help me overcome the difficulties that will come my way? The intention of this blog is to provide a guide on how to overcome the anxieties prior to entering the University, through the review of some personal experiences.

When I was about to enter the University, I was extremely happy to have been accepted into the National University of Mexico. It had always been my dream to study there and I finally saw my intentions come true. However, I was also concerned about some things like the new environment I was going to face and the pressure I would experience when embarking on a University journey.  Probably what worried me the most was not being able to adapt to the new people I was going to meet. 

I had the misfortune of entering the University amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic. For this reason, my first classes were online. Fortunately, it didn’t take me long to get used to the academic demands of University life. I met several sympathetic professors with great skills to guide us in the academic world. In addition, I believe that basic and secondary education prepares us to face the challenges of University. 

When the pandemic began to wane, I had the opportunity to meet my first classmates. I met people from very different sociocultural backgrounds. In my University there are not a lot of foreign students, however, there are many students from the provinces who come to study in the capital. I soon understood that there were more things that unite us than those that made us different. We were all in the same situation of uncertainty and we all wished we could establish social relationships with our new companions. That made me meet extremely kind people in whom I found great friends. 

I consider it extremely important not to face this new stage of your life alone. The support of family and friends is essential to start a successful University life. Never hesitate to ask them for advice, tell them your fears and ask them to help you when you need it. It may be that you find yourself in a situation where you have no one around to support you. In that case, you can seek professional help. Your University may have tools to support students, or you may find student groups or clubs that help people in your situation. Building community will always be fundamental in all moments of life.

In conclusion, embarking on a new University life can be both exciting and daunting. However, there are several strategies that can help you navigate this transition successfully. Always remember to familiarize yourself with the various options available to you, such as government or University assistance programs. These resources can provide financial support and guidance throughout your journey. Additionally, lean on your family and friends for emotional support. They can offer encouragement, advice, and a listening ear when needed. Remember, it’s perfectly okay to ask for help when you need it. Seek out individuals who make you feel comfortable and supported, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Don’t be afraid of the bad things that can happen and trust yourself. Trust that you will be able to overcome the difficulties you encounter along the way. Most importantly, embrace the experience and enjoy the process of self-discovery and personal growth that University life offers!