For athletes who have never been away from home, moving to college and starting a life on your own is an expected, yet difficult challenge. Although homesickness and anxiety don't always follow students into their college life, it is easy to miss home and not become accustomed to the new environment while adapting to all the changes going on in your life as an incoming freshman. During the change between your normal home environment and a brand new way of living, college can for sure be a huge change of scenery. Getting used to something different is hard to adjust to, and can pose a big challenge for those who are experiencing change for the first time.

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You'll Get the Hang of it

Getting used to a new lifestyle is hard, but you will eventually develop skills on your own that you would otherwise not achieve while staying in your comfort zone. Moving away and learning how to take care of yourself while building new relationships, will only help you in the long run. Developing a comfortable spot on a new team may take some time–and may not be something you want to do–but it is a part of the process of entering a new team and way of living. Although it may take you a period of time to figure out a successful routine that works for you, the trial and error process will only make you become more organized and prepared for life after graduation. In some circumstances, the adaptation to being a part of a high level sports team as well as maintaining good academics.

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Put it in Perspective

The overall life adjustment can be a tough transition, and may not be for everyone. Athletes either adapt to their environment and learn how to make it work, or move on to pursue another opportunity. It's important to know that with time, you will do well and realize just how fortunate you are to be able to play your sport at a collegiate level. Not only will being on your own push you to become self-sufficient, but it will also teach you more responsibility and make you hold yourself more accountable. 

Being a college athlete is tough, yet rewarding, for a variety of reasons. Make sure to prepare yourself for a new season in your life, as you enter uncharted territory while starting your first year on a college sports team.

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* Originally published on October 19, 2022, by Sarah Borer