Whether you’re returning to campus after spending some time at home for winter break or moving onto campus for the first time, starting a new semester is an adjustment for everyone at California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB).
There are certainly ways to make this adjustment easier. After living back at home for some time, returning to dorm life can seem underwhelming, as you’re suddenly back in a much smaller living space with limited comforts of home. This issue can be fixed by making some changes to your room, whether it be new storage, rearranging or simply adding a few new decorations to brighten up the space. If there was any conflict or areas of tension between you and your roommate(s), it’s very important to have a conversation and resolve the conflict or tension in a healthy way as soon as possible. Readjusting to campus life will be much smoother if your “home away from home” is a relaxing, safe place to be.
There are also ways to make having an entirely new schedule easier. If your professor gives a syllabus, read it ahead of time so you may know what to expect from the class later in the semester. New classes are also much more fun if you have friends to work alongside, so be sure to get to know those around you as well as reconnect with those you may know from previous semesters.
If you are completely new to campus, get involved! You’ll surely hear this piece of advice many times, but getting involved is the best way to get to know the CSUMB community and to meet people that could become your lifelong friends. There are many events through the CSUMB recreation department to participate in, clubs, and even fraternities and sororities to get involved in to become more connected with the people and campus around you.