Freshmen students at Taylor Fest in downtown Phoenix mingle with each other. (Photo by Thomas Hawthorne)
As the 2013 fall semester begins, thousands of freshmen flock to ASU to begin their college experience and encounter new decisions and struggles.
The transition to college is key in students' lives, and stressors can impact their emotional well-being, ASU Counseling Services Associate Director James Bludworth said in an email.
"Although not all stress is bad, persistent and/or intense stress can reduce our ability to function effectively, which can interfere with personal and academic goals," Bludworth said.
College students experience all kinds of challenges throughout their academic careers: social gatherings, homework, relationships, finals and mothers calling to check in every day.
Bludworth said freshmen have to make many adjustments all at the same time, which can cause additional stress.
College is the first time many freshmen will be solely responsible for themselves, and the weight of a college workload amplifies this responsibility.
Bludworth said freshmen should deal with these changes and challenges by connecting with others in positive activities.
He recommends that students practice relaxation strategies, exercise, eat well and sleep for physical well-being.
"Replace negative thoughts about yourself with positive thoughts so that you are your own best ally rather than your worst enemy," he said.
Bludworth said students should tackle challenges and develop a plan to overcome them. When working, students should take breaks every now and then. "Short time-outs can improve functioning in the long run," Bludworth said.
Students should ask for help when needed, Bludworth said. ASU has more than 1,100 clubs and organizations for students to get involved in campus life. Bludworth said creating new friendships by getting involved on campus is a great way for freshmen to ease their transition to college.
Exploratory freshman Garrett Burnett said finances were one of his biggest fears. ASU offers options for students to lessen their financial burden, such as scholarships, grants, loans and student jobs.
He said he was excited to be living on his own and that he didn't think he would have any trouble getting acquainted with social life.
Burnett said he knows five students who went to his high school and doesn't think he will have trouble making new friends at ASU.
"I'm most excited about all the opportunities the school has to offer," he said.
As a student at Barrett, the Honors College, Burnett said he thinks he will have even more access to opportunities. He said he would definitely get involved in clubs and organizations on campus this semester.
Mechanical engineering freshman Sarah Tang said she was intimidated by the size of the Tempe campus when she first arrived at ASU. She said it doesn't seem as big after walking around.
Tang is excited to live on campus and get involved in campus life and said she specifically looks forward to living on her own.
"I can be independent," Tang said.
Psychology senior Bethany Wills said she was overwhelmed as a freshman, which caused her to not get involved at first.
"There were so many possibilities," she said.
Wills said she would advise freshmen to take advantage of all the University has to offer.
"Get involved when opportunities present themselves and don't shy away like I did," Wills said.
Reach the reporter at cwince@asu.edu or follow him on Twitter @connorwince
