#03 - How To Stay Calm Even If You're Nervous: A Concise Guide for New Students

As a “freshman,” I believe you are somewhat concerned about how your stay in the University is going to be. Given the fact you've been bombarded with lots of advice from almost  every angle—with emphasis on how cautious you need to be of your new environment and all that.

Yes, parents are concerned and by putting myself in their shoes, I somewhat have a sense of where they are coming from. But to tell the truth, they make the whole University sound like the most creepy place in the entire universe.

In my case, the countless advice I had received as a fresher made the act of blending into the system an uneasy phenomenon. This uneasiness was further characterized by a feeling of inferiority based on an already established “fear” of the system which made me overly cautious of the environment.

Of course, there is nothing wrong with experiencing mild fear over something. Nor is there anything wrong with being cautious. However, the combination of these two could be deadly if given too much priority. And in order to steer clear of the mind-boggling composition of these two, you must be courageous.

Because “Courage is knowing what not to fear.”- Plato

You can arrive at this by easing yourself from the burden of trying to fit into the system. A conscious effort of letting time to take its course in your activities would come in handy in such moments.

To be honest, fitting into the University environment as a new student is not a fast track something. It takes time, patience and also a close contact with God.

So you shouldn't be moved or disturbed by what you see or feel. Simply because others are catching the moment and making friends doesn't mean you should feel secluded—of course you are part of the system too—you are not an outcast.

For the meantime, avoid unnecessary struggles in a bid to fit in. Everything works with time. So relax, study hard and enjoy yourself. Things will work out and you will eventually get acquainted to your new environment—because nature, time and patience are three great physicians.

Remember, don't rush! Be patient and put your trust in the Almighty.