College is supposed to be the best time of our lives, but sometimes it can be so complicated and frustrating that we question whether this is even remotely possible. Between bad roommates, stressful workloads and the pressure of the fast-approaching “future” hanging over our heads, it can be pretty difficult to live our college lives to the fullest. Fortunately for us, even the most frustrating #collegeprobz can usually be solved by a little effort and a quick meeting with an NSU employee.
“My roommate is a total nightmare.”
When you’re forced to share a small space with another individual for an extended period of time, there’s bound to be drama at some point. Sometimes the little things that get on your nerves, like when he or she always invites loud guests over when you’re trying to study or when there’s a mounting pile of dirty dishes by the kitchen sink, can simply be solved with a little communication. Sit down with your roommate and politely discuss what’s bothering you. Often, our “annoying” roommates don’t even know that they’re being annoying, so setting up ground rules and finding a compromise can easily prevent further conflict.
If your personalities don’t mesh or you just haven’t hit it off yet, try to find an activity that you both can do together. It could be anything: binge-watching “Friends” on Netflix, culinary experiments with Pinterest recipes, attending a weekly yoga class, trips to a shared favorite restaurant to catch up and get to know each other or even study sessions for that impossible philosophy class you’re both enrolled in. Sometimes a little effort goes a long way.
Of course, everyone doesn’t always get along and serious issues do arise. If you don’t feel comfortable discussing a particular issue with your roommate or if you made an effort, but nothing has changed, NSU’s Student Mediation Services is here to help. To schedule an appointment, contact Student Mediation Services via email at studentmediation@nova.edu or phone at (954) 262-7196.
“I’m a commuter and it’s hard to make friends.”
Living off-campus doesn’t have to hinder your college experience. I know that it’s a little cliché, but getting involved really does make it a lot easier to form lasting connections with other students and the NSU community as a whole. Fortunately, NSU has plenty of clubs and organizations to choose from. Interests range from networking with others with similar career goals, finding a creative outlet, volunteering with others to stop world hunger, joining Greek life, or if you just want to fish, bowl, or play ultimate Frisbee with other students. Feel free to search through the cohesive list of student organizations on novasoutheastern.orgsync.com and contact the listed point of contact to learn more about any organization you’re interested in.
Even if you don’t have the time to commit to a student organization, you can still attend on-campus events and activities. Different NSU offices, like the Office of Student Events and Activities, are constantly planning events for students to take advantage of. To find out more about on-campus programming, keep your eyes peeled for email invitations, check out the events calendar at novasoutheastern.orgsync.com/calendar, contact SEA Board at SEA-Board@nova.edu or (954) 262-7223 or pick up an issue of The Current, our student-run newspaper.
Of course, if you have any questions, comments or concerns regarding your involvement at NSU, The Office of Orientation and Commuter Student Involvement is a great resource. The Office of Orientation and Commuter Involvement aims to keep commuters engaged in the NSU community, be it through programming or through beneficial changes to campus, such as the inclusion of the Alvin Sherman Library commuter student lounge. To contact the Office of Orientation and Commuter Involvement, call (954) 262-8050 or email commuter@nova.edu.
“I feel stressed and overwhelmed.”
Between balancing school, work, organizations and a social life, feeling stressed is almost unavoidable. Fortunately, the Office of Undergraduate Student Success exists to help students fight their stressors head-on and find easy ways to avoid future stress. An academic success coach can teach you ways to effectively manage your time, study more efficiently or find resources that cater to your academic needs. To make a meeting with an academic success coach, call (954) 262-8386 or go to nova.edu/yoursuccess.
If you ever need someone to talk to, make an appointment with Henderson Student Counseling Center. As NSU students, we have ten free sessions per year with licensed professionals that can be used for anything from dealing with break ups, family conflicts and academic and financial stress to coping with depression and anxiety. To make an appointment with the Henderson Student Counseling Center, call (954) 424-6911 or simply walk into their office at University Park Plaza.
“My math class is way too hard and I’m pretty sure I’m failing.”
Let’s be real: college isn’t easy. We’re all required to take a class at some point that is either way past our competency level or in a subject we’ve always struggled with. If the course is absolutely necessary for your graduation requirements, you really have no option but to persevere. Instead of feeling embarrassed or discouraged, asking for help from experts is the easiest way to get through a difficult course without negatively impacting your GPA. Fortunately, NSU’s Tutoring and Testing Center offers assistance in anything from intermediate algebra to organic chemistry to research paper writing for any relevant course. Tutoring is free with a maximum of three free sessions per course per week and can be online or in-person. To make an appointment, call (954) 262-8350.
Of course, the best person to talk to about complex course-specific concepts is your professor. Our NSU professors typically want their students to learn the content and succeed and, therefore, keep their office doors open during set weekly hours to address any comments, questions and concerns. Meeting with your professor—the person who creates your tests, grades your papers and evaluates your projects—one-on-one is certainly the most effective way to get your desired grade. Also, here’s an added bonus: showing your dedication to the course material by utilizing office hours is certainly something professors consider when writing letters of recommendations. Usually, office hours are listed on the course syllabus, but if they aren’t specified or if you want to make an appointment in advance, email your professor.
“I love South Florida, but I’m starting to miss my family and hometown.”
While it’s true that there is nothing quite like the comforts of home and that moving away forces you out of your comfort zone, understand that this is an exciting opportunity to grow that everyone goes through at some point in our lives. You’re not alone in your homesickness: there are several other new students who long for home cooked meals and warm, fluffy beds. Equally, there are even more returning students who overcame homesickness that understand what you’re going through and would likely have some solid advice to offer. Seek other residential students in your hall or classes who might be willing to talk about their experiences with homesickness or even bring up your concerns to your residential advisor. As mentioned earlier, the Henderson Center is an excellent resource to take advantage of when suffering from any kind of emotional stress, including homesickness. Their licensed professionals are hired to listen to you vent about whatever is troubling you and offer sound advice—free of charge.
Another way to get over homesickness is to keep yourself busy with exciting activities and engaging organizations. Take the time to join an organization that you think you’d be passionate about, whether it’s forming lasting bonds in a sorority or fraternity, practicing self-defense strategies with the NSU martial arts club or strengthening your religious beliefs with ABLAZE. Bonding with other students who have similar interests is the easiest way to find your niche and make NSU your second home. Also, take the time to explore all of the amazing sights, food and activities South Florida has to offer, like stand-up paddle boarding and scuba diving at the beach, authentic Cuban sandwiches and fresh seafood or even the latest exhibit at the NSU Art Museum. Just don’t forget to pick up the phone and call home every once in a while!
“I have absolutely no clue what I want to do in the future.”
Granted, there are a few lucky students who walk into their first day of freshman year 100 percent certain about what they want to do with their lives and never really deviate from that plan, but it’s unrealistic to expect all 18-year-olds to have their entire futures mapped out. College is a period of exploration. Throughout such a brief time frame, you learn a lot about yourself, especially your strengths, weaknesses, likes and dislikes. Take a variety of classes. If a particular course comes easily to you or if you find that you actually enjoy learning about a particular subject, chances are that you’re on the right path.
Of course, The Office of Career Development is available to sort out any career path woes, whether you’re a freshman who’s undecided, a senior trying to figure out your next step, a recent graduate who can’t seem to find a job or anything in between. You can set up a meeting with a career advisor by calling (954) 262-7201, or you simply drop by one of their offices in the Horvitz building or the Carl DeSantis building.
