On August 19, specialty selection was completed. The announcement of admission results is expected in the coming days. After that, young people who have just gained student status will head to higher education institutions. Among them will be young people from regions who come to big cities and are more introverted. This change can create certain difficulties for them in terms of adapting to a new environment, university life, and social relationships.
It is interesting, what should young people do to adapt more easily to university, classes, and a new environment? How should parents support their children in this process?
Renowned psychologist Nizami Orujov spoke to AzEdu.az on the topic.
It's normal to feel like a stranger in the first days of university, what's important is to gradually become a part of this environment and university life:
“Being admitted to university is an important transitional stage in the lives of young people. Especially for young people coming from regions to big cities or those with a more introverted character, this change can cause some discomfort initially. Because here they encounter not only a new university and study environment but also new people, new social relationships, and more independence.
First of all, young people should not expect immediate adaptation from themselves. It is normal to feel like a stranger, to be anxious, and to have difficulty communicating with people in the first days and even weeks. Adaptation is a process and does not happen at the same speed for everyone.
Especially for more introverted young people, an expectation like “I must make many friends” can create additional pressure. It is not necessary to expect them to be very social all at once. In the initial stage, small steps such as getting to know one of their groupmates, asking a question in class, or joining some activity within the university may be sufficient. Social skills, like other skills, develop with experience.”
Especially for a young person living away from their family for the first time, it can be difficult to miss home and get used to loneliness:
“For young people coming from regions, the practical aspects of city and university life can also create certain difficulties. If transportation, accommodation, daily expenses, class schedule, and new responsibilities are planned in advance, this change will be smoother. It is also important for the young person to create a daily routine and pay attention to their sleep and nutrition for adaptation.
The attitude of parents is also very important at this stage. Instead of controlling every step of their children, they should provide support when needed. Constant questions like “Do you have friends?”, “Why don't you talk to anyone?”, “How are your classes?” can create additional pressure on the young person. A more beneficial approach is to ask how they feel and listen to them when they want to talk.
At the same time, parents should also consider the child's separation from their previous environment. Especially for a young person living away from their family for the first time, it can be difficult to miss home and get used to loneliness. Regular, but not overly controlling, communication is beneficial in this regard. Instead of control-oriented questions like “When are you coming?”, the approach “How do you feel, how can we support you?” is healthier.”
If adaptation difficulties continue for a long time, it is not correct to simply evaluate it as “that's just their character”:
“Most importantly, a young person starting university should not compare themselves to other students. Someone might create a large circle of friends from day one, while another might need months for this. Someone adapts quickly to city life, while for another, this process takes longer. These differences are normal.
If adaptation difficulties continue for a long time, the young person constantly feels lonely and helpless, seriously avoids going to university, or experiences strong anxiety, it is not correct to simply evaluate it as “that's just their character”. In such cases, psychological support can be beneficial.
The goal of starting university is not to do everything perfectly from day one. The young person should give themselves time, get to know their new environment with small steps, and gradually form their social and academic rhythm. The main role of the parent is not to manage this process instead of them, but to make them feel that they are by their side in this process.”
