Section 3

FIRST-YEAR STUDENT ISSUES

Students will react to university life in different ways. This is an exciting and challenging time! Sudden freedom; living in a large, interesting population; and increased academic and personal responsibilities can bring on many reactions (e.g., homesickness, fear of failure, or loneliness). To help you prepare for a range of experiences, we have put the following guidelines together for your use.

It is important to be aware of your individual residents’ needs. Most residents will experience some of these issues, but the degree and signs of stress and anxiety will differ from person to person. We don’t expect you to be superhuman! Actively listening and offering friendly support can help students adjust to university live.

Below are some issues that may arise for your residents and some suggestions for how to support students. Also, think creatively and use what you know about your residents to help support them. This is only a small sample of what you may encounter – and these issues come up for many college students, not just first-year students.

Feeling Lost

• Encourage involvement in community groups and on-campus organizations.
• Tell students about events related to their major or special interests.
• Include people in group activities and set the expectation that other residents will do the same (e.g., inviting each other to eat at the DC).

Sudden Freedom
(Increased drinking, partying, etc.)

• Make the policies clear and remind residents of their responsibilities.
• Address policy violations and problem behaviors immediately and consistently.
• Always model positive behaviors to students.
• Remind them to consider students around them, whom they may be disturbing with their behavior.
• Organize a program on responsible drinking.
• Encourage residents to get involved in floor events, channeling their energy more constructively.
• Have other floor members support your efforts.

Depression
(Due to sudden increase in responsibilities, change in environment, and/or medical reasons)

• For academic/class-related stressors, refer students to their academic advisor, Pre-Major Advising, the Learning Resources Center, tutoring services, or other related resources.
• If they want to drop a course, but don’t know how, refer them and support their decision.
• For problems with time or prioritizing, a workshop or resources on time management may help.
• Suggest that they talk to someone. If you detect a serious problem, refer the student to University Health Services- Mental Health Services, the Everywoman’s Center, or Counseling & Assessment Services. Be sure to share that information with your RD.
• Be a good listener! If they want to talk, listening is often a good way you can help.

Homesickness

• Get to know each resident and address each resident by name.
• Invite and encourage residents to get involved in the community.
• Ask them to lead a floor project – this will help them feel wanted, needed, and important. This is often simultaneously beneficial for you, as an RA.

Loneliness

• Be a good listener! Let them talk (remember your own fears as a first year student). Often students will feel less lonely after expressing these feelings to someone.
• Talk to them and let them know that many people feel lonely, it’s not weird or unusual. You may want to cite a personal example of how you deal with loneliness.
• Encourage them to participate in group activities.