Titiksha Bhatia 
College. A whirlwind of emotions, a gateway to new knowledge, and a crucible for self-discovery. It’s also a landscape where relationships shift and online connections intertwine with the thrilling chaos of real-life interactions. As you step onto campus, a vibrant tapestry of experiences awaits, woven from your evolving sense of self, the relationships you build, and the ever-present influence of the digital world.
The Evolving Self: Unmasking Who You Are
College is a time of shedding old skin and discovering who you are beneath. Here’s how to navigate this exciting, yet sometimes confusing journey because let’s face it, it can be daunting to leave your home to go to this new environment and even if you are going to a college near your home, it still is a completely different world from school.
Embrace the Unknown and step outside your comfort zone. Take classes that pique your curiosity, join unfamiliar clubs, and volunteer for causes you care about. This exploration will expose you to diverse perspectives and ignite passions you never knew existed. College is a melting pot of ideas. Engage in open conversations, question your assumptions, and listen actively to others’ viewpoints. This intellectual wrestling will shape your worldview and lead to a more nuanced understanding of yourself and your world. Amidst the whirlwind of college life, carve out space for introspection. Journal your experiences, explore your thoughts and feelings, and find moments of quiet contemplation. This self-reflection will help you identify patterns, connect the dots, and better understand who you truly are and what you aspire to become.
Building Bridges: Cultivating Relationships in a New World
Navigating relationships in college plays a crucial role in shaping your experience. You could be someone who doesn’t like to engage with people much or loves to do so! Either way, here are some things that could be helpful to know in case you want some tips.
Put Yourself Out There! We know it’s something constantly recommended but it is true. While staying in your hostel/pg room might be tempting, it’s the first hurdle to overcome. Attend campus events, join clubs, and strike up conversations with classmates or residents. Remember, everyone is in the same boat – looking to make friends and find their place.
Accept the differences. College brings together a diverse tapestry of people. Seek out friendships with those who are different from you. Not only will you gain new perspectives, but you might also discover unexpected common ground. Maybe you will find friends to bicker and banter over the seemingly small things and that at times are just the kind of friendships you need.
Genuine connection thrives on authentic communication. Be a good listener for your friends. Pay attention, ask thoughtful questions, and offer support. When you show genuine interest in others, they’ll reciprocate, fostering deeper friendships.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different friend groups. Look for people who share your values, interests, and humour. This “tribe” will be your support system, celebrating your victories and offering solace during challenges.
Social Media and the Filtered Self
The digital world plays a significant role in college life, well all aspects of life but more importantly in your college life. You see people going to all these events, aesthetic cafes and studying, having these wholesome moments with their friends on the campus and just so much more. While this can seem like the dream college experience, things just aren’t as aesthetic as they seem online.
Social media platforms often showcase a carefully curated “highlight reel” of others’ lives, fueling feelings of inadequacy and the fear of missing out (FOMO). Let’s face it, we all have felt the FOMO at some point and maybe would continue to feel it even later, but think realistically and see that at times you are just going to miss out on things and that is completely okay.
Social media can connect you with like-minded individuals who share your interests. Online communities and forums can foster friendships, especially for introverts who might find in-person interaction initially challenging. Don’t shy away from capturing both the happy moments and the struggles. Your vulnerability might connect with others and create a positive online presence that reflects your true self.
Finding the Balance: Boundaries and Wellbeing
Developing a healthy relationship with the digital world is crucial. Schedule specific times for social media and stick to them. Avoid mindless scrolling, especially before bed, to prevent sleep disruptions and promote digital detox.
Be aware of how social media makes you feel. If you find yourself feeling anxious or inadequate after browsing, take a break and engage in activities that uplift you. Social media thrives on projecting a perfect image. Don’t be afraid to share your authentic self, even the “messy” parts. Your vulnerability might resonate with others and create deeper connections.
And there you go! Some older sibling tips to navigate your college experience. You might not need all the tips and you will not have the same college experience as the next person, but you will experience new things which are going to change your perspective of things and most importantly help you grow. So just remember to have fun and not stress yourself out too much (though the exam season is stressful for all of us so we can skip thinking about that for now) and just explore the places this experience takes you to.
