You don’t have to figure it all out in the first week

Don’t panic, you’ll slowly settle in and find your rhythm.

Maybe you just moved into residence with three strangers and a tiny fridge, maybe you’re commuting and already dreading the 7 a.m. bus ride or maybe you’ve just landed from across the world. Whatever your story, the first week throws a lot at you.

Starting your post-secondary journey is a big step and feeling a little overwhelmed is totally normal.

You’re trying to find your classes, figure out your schedule, learn new apps and maybe looking for the best coffee shop nearby.

If your brain feels like it’s got 37 tabs open, you’re not alone. The good news? You don’t have to figure everything out during the first week.

This week is about showing up, trying stuff, making mistakes and learning as you go.

Give yourself time to adjust

A man is saying the words, "Take all the time you need." — *Via GIPHY*

You’re adjusting to a new schedule, a new campus, new classmates, maybe even a new city or country. It’s like your brain is loading a giant update and it’s lagging a bit.

Even simple things can feel hard in the first week. Where’s the class? Where do you sit in class? What’s this thing called Blackboard?

It might seem like everyone else knows what they’re doing, but they don’t. They’re just better at faking it. Most people are confused, tired and also wondering whether they accidentally signed up for a 9 a.m. lecture (they did).

So, take your time. You’ll learn where everything is. You’ll settle into your routine. And you’ll figure out how to pronounce your prof’s last name (eventually).

You don’t need to act perfectly

A man is holding the microphone and saying the words, "It's not that serious. Calm down!" — *Via GIPHY*

Whether you’re nervous about speaking in class, writing emails to your professors or just introducing yourself to someone new, know this, no one expects you to be perfect.

If you mix up your words like accidentally replying, “Thanks, you too,” when your prof says, “I hope you understood the assignment,” welcome to the club. We’ve all been there.

You might be studying in your second or even third language. You might be naturally introverted or maybe you’re just tired from pretending you’re fine while your brain is still stuck on, “Wait, where’s building E?” (pro tip: an app called Campus Compass will help you).

It’s OK. No one’s grading your small talk. Everyone’s too busy trying to remember their own locker code or finding Wi-Fi.

So, go ahead and speak up, even if your voice shakes a little, because you belong here!

You don’t have to participate in everything

A woman is saying the words, "SO MANY THINGS GOING ON" — *Via GIPHY*

First week energy is wild. You’ll see posters for club fairs, flyers for free pizza, random people handing out snacks and telling you to join an event.

There’s a part of you that might feel like you should be doing it all, signing up for three clubs, four campus events and some badminton league you didn’t even know existed.

Pause and take a breath. There’s no need to do everything in week one. It’s OK to be selective and take your time deciding what to join.

Getting involved is great, but it doesn’t have to happen instantly. You’ll have time to find what fits.

Homesickness is completely normal

A man is speaking the words, "I'd like to go home please," into the microphone. — *Via GIPHY*

Homesickness is real. You might be missing your parents, siblings, pets or maybe just your own bed.

Feeling out of place in a new environment isn’t failure, it’s literally your brain trying to process change. And change, as fun as it sounds in motivational quotes, is kind of the worst before it gets better.

Maybe you haven’t made close friends yet or found “your people.” Maybe walking into a room of strangers feels weird. That’s completely OK.

The connections will come. Friendships take time. You might meet your future best friend next week or next semester or because you both wanted to skip class at the same time.

Be patient. The best stuff usually takes a little longer than you expect.

You don’t need to match anyone’s pace

A man is saying the words, "This is not a competition." — *Via GIPHY*

Some students will seem like they have it all together. They’re already working part-time, signed up for every club and asking the prof extra questions after class. You might look at them and think, “Am I already falling behind?”

Nope, you’re not. Everyone has a different starting line. Some people have been here before. Some people already live in the city.

That doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. You’re doing it your way and that’s enough.

School isn’t a race. There’s no award for who finds their footing the fastest. Show up, try your best, ask questions and stay hydrated. That’s all that matters.

And try not to compare your life with others. You’re learning and that matters more than looking like you’ve got it all figured out.

Bottom line? You’re doing just fine

A woman is pointing towards the viewers and we see the words, "YOU GOT THIS," written below. — *Via GIPHY*

You might not have everything figured out (no one really does), but you made it through the door, into the classroom, onto campus and that deserves appreciation.

Keep showing up, one day at a time. Everything else will follow.

This first week is just the beginning. You’re allowed to feel awkward, uncertain, excited, homesick, curious or all of the above at once.

It gets easier. You’ll get better and figure everything out. And one day soon, you’ll look around and think, “OK, I think I’ve got this.”

Until then? Keep going and keep reminding yourself, you don’t have to figure it all out today. You’re right where you need to be.

Good luck!

Feature image courtesy of GlassesShop via Unsplash

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