Who has a college freshman that isn't adjusting well?

[ozarkmom]

My youngest son is a freshman at a college about 2 hours away. My oldest son is at the same University as a grad student. He loved his college life from day one. My youngest decided late in the school year to attend this school. He has hated it since he arrived on campus. He hates living in a dorm with a roommate. His brother did room his freshman year with a high school friend but youngest son is with a complete stranger. Freshman move in day he was texting me about hating it before I was even off campus. I keep thinking it'll get better. My oldest son has tried to help. I thought things were a little better then youngest son totaled his truck last week. Thankfully he wasn't hurt but it has increased the stress level in all of us. Anyway just wondering if anyone else on here is dealing with a freshman that is miserable?

 

[Hoodie]

Well, I was a freshman who was miserable. While I didn't hate my school from the moment I stepped on campus, I hated it shortly thereafter. I decided to transfer by the end of the first semester. Once I had made the decision, it was a lot better - I could fill my time applying elsewhere and there was a light at the end of the tunnel.

When is his next break? I used to count the hours and then minutes until I left campus. See if he'd be interested in going somewhere else. In my case, the college was too small. I know others who thought their first school was too big. The deal my parents made me was that I had to finish out the year at the first school, but they'd help me find another school. The second search was much easier than the first because I knew what I DIDN'T want.

Good luck! It's really tough.

 

[Christine]

Last year I participated in the freshman thread that's still active. There were definitely reports of kids not having the best of time those first few weeks. I was lucky, my DD fit in beautifully and had a great time with all that. She was also suspended and his home this year while some of the kids who were miserable are doing just fine.

This feeling is TOTALLY normal but, yes, upsetting. It will most likely get better but there is that chance that the school and this experience will not be a good fit. But I think you MUST give it an entire semester. It takes awhile to find your way at school.

Good luck, I know it's not easy.

 

[Hannathy]

Come on over to the do you have a college freshman 2010 thread, there are a couple of kids on there who are having a bit of a rough time. You can at least feel a bit of camaraderie with others doing the same thing.

My DD is doing great but we all talk and compare notes and texts! Whether or not to go for parents weekend is being tossed around also.

Hope you DS starts feeling better it is very hard as a Mom when your child is hurting and you can't kiss it and make it better.

 

[pigletgirl]

Freshman year is incredibly difficult for all. You literally have to start over with everything, without having mommy and daddy right there to help. Trust me. Some students do better than others obviously.

Over time he'll adjust. Is he involved in any activities where he can meet people? If not, that will truly help. Plus once he gets his study groups going and whatnot it'll get better.

Tell him, chin up! It will get better. I promise!