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Living on your own for the first time means that you will gain
independence and take charge of the many choices and
decisions your parents and teachers made for you in the past.
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Living on your own means you can do what you want, when
you want.
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Class attendance
When and how to study
Choose who to socialize with and the types of activities to partake in
Choose from a variety of clubs and organizations to join
Choose what to put in your body and how much to eat and drink
Choose when to clean, do laundry, and care for person self
Choose sleep pattern
Decide your own schedule
Employment opportunities
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Students can look forward to:
o Meeting new friends
o Dating
o Adapting to professors teaching
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style
Joining clubs and organizations
Employment opportunities and
Roommates and adjusting to new
living arrangements
Diverse cultures and backgrounds
New community to become
familiar with
Increased personal freedom is a positive change which can produce a lot of stress. The stress
of leaving home can lead to many emotions such as feeling lost, angry, confused, insecure, sad,
depressed and lonely. It is very important to monitor yourself and use positive coping
strategies to help the transition go as smoothly as possible.
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Communicate with your loved ones
from home often
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Express emotions and feelings in a
healthy manner by:
o Journaling/Blogging
o Artistic expression
o Talking with someone
o Join a support group
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Bring significant items of personal
value and nostalgia to college
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Connect with others on campus by:
o Getting involved in clubs and
organizations of interest to you
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Utilize the resources on campus to
help cope with your new atmosphere
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Take care of self by:
o Eating in moderation
o 6-8 hours of sleep each night
o Enjoyable physical activity
Students must learn to balance a sense of connectedness and separation
while attending college. Students will experience a variety of emotions while
learning to adjust to relationship shifts.
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Old friendships may alter, growing a part as you both go through self
discovery
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Romantic relationships turned long distance may be more of a stress now
that you and your partner are separated for longer periods of time
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Roommate conflict can be caused by different living habits
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Balancing newly formed relationships with already established ones
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Changing view of self, values, ideas and beliefs which may cause conflict
with self and/or with old and new relationships
Daily responsibilities coincide with greater personal freedom.
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Basic Tasks:
o Eating
o Sleeping
o Exercising
o Going to class
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Complex Responsibilities:
o Balance studying and social time
o Budgeting/Finances
o Employment
o Clubs/Organizations
o Personal care
o Hobbies

Alexander, J. S., & Gardner, J. N. (2009). Beyond retention: A
comprehensive approach to the first college year. Retrieved on 9/19/2012
from: http://www.jngi.org/wordpress/wpcontent/uploads/2011/10/Beyond-Retention-A-comprehensive-approachto-FY.pdf
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Counseling Center at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. 2008.
Adjusting to college. Retrieved on 9/19/2012 from:
http://www.counselingcenter.illinois.edu/?page_id=139
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Wayne University Advising Center. (2007). College is different from high
school. Retrieved on 9/19/2012 from:
http://advising.wayne.edu/hndbk/different.php
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Counseling and Psychological Services: Lawrence 241, 610-436-2301.
Individual and group services. http://www.wcupa.edu/_services/stu.cou/

Department of Public Safety: 690 S. Church St. 610-436-3311. Crime
reporting and investigation, safe escort on campus.
http://www.wcupa.edu/dps/
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Learning Assistance Resource Center: Lawrence 223, 610-436-2535.
Tutoring, study skills and more. http://www.wcupa.edu/ussss/larc/
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Office of Judicial Affairs & Student Assistance: Sykes 238, 610-436-3511
http://www.wcupa.edu/_services/stu.jud/
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Office of Multicultural Affairs: Sykes 003, 610-436-3273. Services
promoting academic achievement and personal well being.
http://www.wcupa.edu/_SERVICES/stu.mca/default.asp
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Office of Social Equity: 13-15 University Ave. 610-436-2433. Mediation and
investigation of complaints of harassment and discrimination.
http://www.wcupa.edu/_admin/social.equity/
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Campus Recreation: Ehinger Gym Rm 133
http://www.wcupa.edu/CampusRec/default.asp
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Student Health and Wellness Services: Wayne Hall, 2nd Floor 610-4362509 http://www.wcupa.edu/_services/stu.inf/
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Twardowski Career Development Center: Lawrence 106, 610-436-2501
http://www.wcupa.edu/_SERVICES/STU.CAR/
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Women's Center: Lawrence Rm 100, 2nd floor. 610-436-2122. Resources,
support, referrals for all women's issues.
http://www.wcupa.edu/_services/stu.wce/
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Writing Center: Lawrence 214 610-436-5664. Writing assistance start to finish.
http://www.wcupa.edu/_Academics/writingcenter/
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Financial Aid Office: 25 University Ave. 610-436-2627
http://www.wcupa.edu/_SERVICES/FIN_AID/
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Scholarships: http://www.wcufoundation.org/scholarships/