Freshers' guide to the new life

CHANDIGARH: Finally, it's time to leave behind the bag and baggage of school life and enter college. But are you feeling a little directionless? Don't worry as you are not alone.
Adjustment to a new environment, facing the brow beating of seniors, creating one's identity among innumerable individuals are some of the biggest challenges new students face.So how do you deal with these issues?
Stay calm, confident and courteous and keep your eyes and ears open to begin with, say city-based counsellors. They believe that right attitude is what matters the most and is also the key to solving all problems.
"Youngsters should be confident and possess right attitude. They should be aware of their strengths and also about the new environment and not feel threatened by it," said a counsellor.
For developing that confidence and attitude, students can go for crash courses in personality development before classes begin.
"In many countries, youngsters go in for counselling at quite an early stage," added the counsellor.
Youngsters also need to improve their communication skills as these will come handy while interacting with fellow students and teachers in the new and 'bigger world'.
While these issues can be taken care of by the students on their own too, a menace that still prowls the corridors of college is ragging. To tackle this problem, several colleges in city have set up anti-ragging committees, which students can approach.
"Do your homework well. Read and learn about your college, its environment, infrastructure, faculty, etc. before you step inside for the first time. This basic knowledge will keep you confident on your first day," said a counsellor.
According to Prof Meena Sehgal from department of Psychology, Panjab University, students should remain positive.
"It is very natural for students to feel alone or lost when they come to college from school as there is a drastic change in the environment and they have to do everything on their own. However, students must welcome this new change in life. If students face a problem, no matter how small it is, they should discuss it with someone. By and large, teachers are understanding and sympathetic to students' problems. So, share and don't hesitate.
"Another important thing that should be taken care of is that you should choose a peer group that isn't much different than yours, financially or otherwise. For example, a student is bound to feel anxious if his friends ride in luxurious cars and dine in restaurants which he can't afford," said Sehgal.
Tips
Go for counselling before going to college. You will be mentally prepared and not feel lost in the new environment
Go for personality development and communication improvement courses
Stop being a shy kid; learn to be bold and confident
Keep communication channels with parents open. Share your fears and problems with them
Learn to tackle peer pressure
(As told by Dr Shashi Sethi is a Panchkula-based consultant/counsellor)
Memories of that day
When I entered college, one of the biggest problems I faced was interacting with seniors. They expected me to flatter and impress them and I was very uncomfortable with that. There were students all over noting their time-tables and making inquiries about classes. I was feeling so lost in the middle of all this. I didn't know anybody around. I later tried to forget about it thinking it was a bad day.
Pawas Avasthi, a student of CCET sector- 26
During the first few weeks of college, I found it difficult to make friends as I felt that the environment was restrained and hostile. It created more for difficulties for me as I could not catch up on important stuff being taught in class, thus lagging behind.
Avantika Malik, a PGGCG, Sector 42 student
I was ridiculed by my seniors for my low rank during my introduction. That was demoralizing. I had dropped a year before taking admission in college and they mocked me about this as well calling me seniormost among classmates. As a result, I could not make any friends for long.
Sakshi Dhiman, student of UICET department, PU