No matter whether you are a first year student, a senior year admitted student, a new postgraduate or a student on exchange, it is very normal for you to experience some adjustment issues as the system and practices at PolyU could be quite different from where you were previously. Also, you may have to meet up with many new faces, follow up with many tasks and participate in many activities within a short period of time. So, it is typical sometimes to experience struggles coping with all these.
Examples of physiological reactions to adjustment issues:
- Disturbances of sleep: sleeping too much or too little
- Disturbances of appetite: loss of appetite or excessive eating
- Loss of energy or fatigue
- Body pain or muscle tension
- Difficult to breathe, hyperventilation, accelerated heart rate, sweating, chest pain or discomfort etc.
Examples of psychological reaction to adjustment issues:
- Mood disturbances or fluctuation of mood
- Depressed mood, loss of interest in doing things, helplessness and hopelessness etc.
- Nervous, anxious, excessive worries, unable to relax etc.
Self-awareness
- Monitor physiological changes in your body
- Pay attention to your overall stress level
- Be on top of your schedule for school, work or other responsibilities
- Avoid unnecessary stress and be aware of your limitation
- Prioritize your goal and stay focused
Engage in healthy habits
- Maintain a nutritional balance and a regular meal schedule
- Allow enough time to rest and develop a healthy and regular sleep routine
- Exercise frequently and stay active
- Learn ways to take good care of your own self
Obtain social support
- Engage in conversation with peers proactively
- Participate in activities hosted by different departments and student bodies
- Engage in family gathering and social activities
- Reconnect with old friends
Seek help if needed
- Do not afraid to seek for help if needed and reach out as soon as possible
- Seek advice from your professors/tutors for issues related to assignments, attendances, examinations or other academic matters
- Visit University Health Service for a medical check-up or consultation if you are feeling unwell
- Make an appointment with CWS counsellors to discuss personal issues or stress related issues
