So today I called my college about the work study program. I freaked myself out about it last night to the point of tears. I was so stressed and anxious about it that I couldn't sleep. Some of you may understand that feeling very well and I'm here to tell you that it really wasn't that bad. Literally all she did was confirm I wanted to work on the Columbus campus, took my student ID number, and told me that I would get the info pack and paperwork in about a week. That's it. All I really had to say was why I was calling. Trust me. I know how it can be when it comes to major anxiety about phone calls. But honestly, it was absolutely painless. If I can do it, I KNOW you can do it too! Just take a deep breath and make the call. It'll be totally painless! :)
And it'll be totally worth it when you're making a little extra money as soon as you get to college.
Now that I just have the test left to take, the anxiety has lessened a little. Don't get me wrong, I'm still stressing about everything that is left, but it isn't as threatening? I guess you could say.
I have a month to finish it all in. I have orientation on the 28th and then somewhere in between now and August 17th I have to take the entry exam and pack up.
I totally understand how it feels to be completely overwhelmed even with as tiny stuff like this. Honestly, I get it. I'm overwhelmed myself just thinking about it. It gets to the point where I think about it and get extremely discouraged. And then I don't do it. But remember, you have to take things in tiny steps when prepping for college with anxiety. Or sometimes, just prepping for college in general.
I suggest breaking it down. Make lists. Get yourself organized before you attempt the very scary and long process of packing.
What if you forget something? What if you take too much?
Lists. Lists. Lists.
The one very helpful habit I picked up from my mom.
Pick a room in your house. Say, the bathroom. What all do you need there? I suggest sticking with the absolute necessities first. Then move on to your bedroom. What are the absolute necessities there? Go through each room of your house. Also, check out what they have in the dorms before you bring any sort of kitchen utensils, such as pots and pans. It'd suck to bring all these pots and pans and then have no where to use them, right?
Once you go through and figure what all of your necessities packed and ready to go, look at the now large pile you have accumulated. How much more room do you actually have? Also, think about how far away from home you're going. An hour? Maybe you can leave some behind. 8 hours? Maybe you need to start considering taking a lot more.
Even if you don't think you need a list, do it anyway. It's a great way to double check yourself and rethink some choices. It makes you start thinking about things you really need versus stuff you really don't need. And if you struggle with anxiety, it helps you breathe. It helps you stay focused. It helps you not have a mental break down. It helps you see things one thing at a time instead of a huge mess.
I can't emphasize them enough!
Also, make sure you start saving up some money. Technically this should be done wayyyyyy in advance. Save a huge chunk of that grad money. Start saving portions of your paycheck. Seriously. Any money you receive, save part of it. That latte isn't as important as you think. Those designer jeans aren't THAT special. In fact, some of the cheap ones I've owned have been better quality anyways.
None of those things are as important as making sure you have enough food to eat those first weeks of college. They're not as important as making sure you have enough money to pay for your phone so you can keep in touch with friends, you can see pictures of and talk to younger siblings you left behind, or even call your parents if you need help.
You WILL need their help. They've been adults longer than you. They know how to pay bills. They know how to budget. They know life's dangers and hacks by now.
Listen to them.
My mom has been a huge help through this process. She truly understands how my mind works because it's similar to hers.
Don't get me wrong, they're still unfair and evil. But sometimes they know exactly how to help you.
And it'll be totally worth it when you're making a little extra money as soon as you get to college.
Now that I just have the test left to take, the anxiety has lessened a little. Don't get me wrong, I'm still stressing about everything that is left, but it isn't as threatening? I guess you could say.
I have a month to finish it all in. I have orientation on the 28th and then somewhere in between now and August 17th I have to take the entry exam and pack up.
I totally understand how it feels to be completely overwhelmed even with as tiny stuff like this. Honestly, I get it. I'm overwhelmed myself just thinking about it. It gets to the point where I think about it and get extremely discouraged. And then I don't do it. But remember, you have to take things in tiny steps when prepping for college with anxiety. Or sometimes, just prepping for college in general.
I suggest breaking it down. Make lists. Get yourself organized before you attempt the very scary and long process of packing.
What if you forget something? What if you take too much?
Lists. Lists. Lists.
The one very helpful habit I picked up from my mom.
Pick a room in your house. Say, the bathroom. What all do you need there? I suggest sticking with the absolute necessities first. Then move on to your bedroom. What are the absolute necessities there? Go through each room of your house. Also, check out what they have in the dorms before you bring any sort of kitchen utensils, such as pots and pans. It'd suck to bring all these pots and pans and then have no where to use them, right?
Once you go through and figure what all of your necessities packed and ready to go, look at the now large pile you have accumulated. How much more room do you actually have? Also, think about how far away from home you're going. An hour? Maybe you can leave some behind. 8 hours? Maybe you need to start considering taking a lot more.
Even if you don't think you need a list, do it anyway. It's a great way to double check yourself and rethink some choices. It makes you start thinking about things you really need versus stuff you really don't need. And if you struggle with anxiety, it helps you breathe. It helps you stay focused. It helps you not have a mental break down. It helps you see things one thing at a time instead of a huge mess.
I can't emphasize them enough!
Also, make sure you start saving up some money. Technically this should be done wayyyyyy in advance. Save a huge chunk of that grad money. Start saving portions of your paycheck. Seriously. Any money you receive, save part of it. That latte isn't as important as you think. Those designer jeans aren't THAT special. In fact, some of the cheap ones I've owned have been better quality anyways.
None of those things are as important as making sure you have enough food to eat those first weeks of college. They're not as important as making sure you have enough money to pay for your phone so you can keep in touch with friends, you can see pictures of and talk to younger siblings you left behind, or even call your parents if you need help.
You WILL need their help. They've been adults longer than you. They know how to pay bills. They know how to budget. They know life's dangers and hacks by now.
Listen to them.
My mom has been a huge help through this process. She truly understands how my mind works because it's similar to hers.
Don't get me wrong, they're still unfair and evil. But sometimes they know exactly how to help you.