Starting the College Experience |
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How to Deal with Homesickness |
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Leaving home to attend college is both exciting and challenging. Homesickness is very normal and is experienced by most students who leave home for the first time. Even if you have spent time away from home previously, you are not immune to loneliness, self-doubt, concentration difficulties and preoccupation with home that characterizes homesickness. Here are some basic strategies which have proven effective for many students:
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Remember, homesickness is usually temporary — give yourself time to adjust.
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Get involved (with other students, classes and student activities). The sooner you adapt to your new surroundings, the less intense your feelings of discomfort will become.
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Call or write home but avoid going home every weekend. This is especially important during the beginning of the school year when many clubs, organizations and activities are just getting started. This is your opportunity to make new friends, many of whom are in the same boat.
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Talk out your feelings with a counselor, friend or resident assistant. Just giving voice to your feelings can sometimes provide a new perspective and create a sense of relief.
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Transfer students may think they know about college life and upper-level courses because they attended another university. However, you may suddenly find yourself feeling overwhelmed. If so, you are not alone. You are suffering from what is commonly referred to as "transfer shock," and because of it, many transfer students do not do as well academically in their first or second semesters at their new universities as they did at their previous schools. Here are some basic strategies which have proven effective for many students:
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Be goal-oriented — set long and short-term goals for success.
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Take advantage of activities on campus to build a support network — USI is a new place with new demands and options. Get involved in at least one extra-curricular activity during your first semester.
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Monitor your own academic performance — act on the first feeling of uncertainty about course content. Talk to your instructors, go to their office hours and attend study sessions.
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Ask for help —Take advantage of Academic Skills, talk to your academic advisor or schedule time to meet with a counselor if you're feeling overwhelmed.
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Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) |
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While most students will develop homesickness or transfer shock and move past it, in some cases, it can develop into something more extreme. If your situation becomes overwhelming, seek guidance from CAPS, they can help you assess the situation and plan to move forward.
Contact CAPS at 812-464-1867 to make an appointment or visit the CAPS website for self-help resources such as transitioning to college, mental health information and more.
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Make sure your basic needs are met — get enough sleep, eat enough food, drink enough water, exercise when you can, keep personal hygiene in mind.
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Recognize the sources of stress —eliminate unnecessary stress, face stress head-on in a positive manner.
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Ditch technology for a day — it can truly clear your head!
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Overcome creative block through self-care — give yourself a cognitive break and just walk away, remove distractions, change your scenery, do something that inspires you.
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Despite the myth of "all college students drink," according to USI data, 73.8% of USI freshmen report NOT drinking when hanging out with friends. USI's policy prohibits alcohol and drugs on campus.
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Students who choose to go out and drink should do so in a responsible manner. Students are encouraged to eat before and while drinking, go out with trusted friends, and make plans to get home safely. Use USI's SAFE Ride if you need to get back to campus!
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The Recreation, Fitness and Wellness Center (RFWC) offers many opportunities to exercise! Students can take a class or work out on their own! Find out more at the RFWC website.
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The University Health Center provides medical services and health-related information to students, faculty and staff. They are located in the lower level of the Health Professions Center. For more information, visit the Health Center website or call 812-465-1250.
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If you need to make or change your orientation reservation (i.e., date, guests, orientation housing), log in with your myUSI username and password, and click on the Admitted Student Task List icon and then the Screaming Eagles Orientation Reservation task.
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July 15: Room notification - assignments and roommate information are available on the Housing portal
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July 21: Sign up form to reserve move in date and time available on the Housing portal.
Follow Housing and Residence Life on Instagram @usihousing.
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Student Financial Assistance and Billing |
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The Student Financial Assistance Office and USI encourage responsible borrowing. You may begin to accept, decline or reduce your Direct loan on your myUSI beginning mid-July. You will receive a postcard with instructions at the appropriate time.
Beginning July 1, 2023, students or authorized users may enroll in an estimated payment plan and pay up to five installments. This payment plan is based on the student’s estimated costs and financial aid. There is a $200 minimum down payment at the time of enrollment.
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Student Financial Assistance
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Bursars (Student Payment Center)
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Honors Program - Are you a curious, eager student who loves to learn and wants to be part of a like-minded community? Then you should join the USI Honors Program! It can be your home at USI. It will push you academically and you’ll find a great group of peers to join for social events and service opportunities.
TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) at USI fosters an environment that advocates, serves and mentors 140 first-generation, low-income and students with disabilities. Apply now to join the SSS family.
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Fight on, Screaming Eagles!
Fly your colors brave and true!
Relentless and storied, lead us to glory,
fight for the red, white and blue!
(RAH! RAH! RAH!)
Filled with strength and honor,
Show your spirit far and wide.
We ever hail thee, on to victory,
Our Southern Indiana Pride!
U-S-I!
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Orientation Leader Spotlight - Emma Accomando |
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Besides being an OL, I am the Service Coordinator for Delight Ministries, I am apart of Honors, Student Ambassadors, Campus Outreach, and I work at the Housing and Residence Life. |
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