Ask an Expert

Q. I'm not sure I'm cut out for college. Adjusting to being here has been much harder than I thought it would be. Lately, I can't seem to get going. I've missed a lot of my classes because I spend most of the day sleeping, I've gained weight and it seems like I just want to eat all the time. I'm also having a hard time making new friends and I just don't enjoy things like I used to. I miss home and being with my old friends. What's wrong with me?

Adjusting to college IS hard! You are not alone in feeling homesick and struggling to adjust to college life - most people feel like that at one time or another when they leave home to go to college. However, a few things that you mention suggest that your trouble adjusting may be leading to a more serious problem with depression. The Counseling Center has counselors who are trained to assess the significance of such symptoms and help students cope with and overcome issues like you've described. Please come in or call for a confidential appointment to discuss what you have described in your letter.

The Counseling Center is located on the 3rd floor of the Ritchie Center. The first few visits are free, and following sessions are offered on a low cost basis. We offer individual counseling and can also help locate other resources available around campus or in the community.