It may be of no surprise that college students ask more questions than any other demographic. The amount of answers provided for each question, however, remains to be seen.
This fall, The Clock has decided to create a forum where Plymouth State University community members are given the opportunity to ask questions and to subsequently have them answered by The Clock newspaper affiliates. Here are this week’s inquiries.
I am feeling really homesick and I know that it is normal, but being told so isn’t helping any. I feel so disconnected with the university that sometimes I wish I could go home and take my classes online. What can I do to try to shake this feeling off?
There are no cures for homesickness, but there are some things one can do to feel a little more at ease while attending college. My first piece of advice would be that you should get involved. There many different clubs and organizations to join such as, the Outing Club, the Gaming Club, Psychology Club and Alternative Spring Break. All these clubs and many more can be found on OrgSync. Also, you could volunteer with the Campus Food Pantry, PSU Volunteers or at a local church, school. PAW Events are also a great way to fit in and meet new people. PAW holds events every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, from 9-11 pm, and the activities that have been held so far are Zumba, Tye-Dye, Bingo, Duct-Tape Wallets and Mini Golf. Secondly, I would advise you to try to remember you are here to better yourself and it is only for a short peiord of time–four to five years. My last piece of advice is to keep in contact with your loved ones. You are not the only ones missing your home, parents, pets and other loved ones, and remember they miss you too! KT
How do I cope with a bad roommate situation?
Your first step should not be running to the Residential Life Office and demanding a new roommate. Depending on the severity of the issue, I would try talking it out with the other person and seeing if you both can come to a mutual agreement or understanding about what is bothering you. Most roommate problems can be solved with a friendly chat about what is or isn’t working for the both of you. If you still feel like you need to get out, you should make an appointment with Residential Life by either stopping by or by calling 603-535-2260. The Residential Life department is very understanding and they are more than willing to help you feel more at home here at PSU. KT
I am having trouble making friends, what can I do?
Get Involved! The only way to meet people is to put yourself out there and be who you are. There are many clubs and organizations to join. My best advice would be to join a club/sport/organization that you truly have passion for. You want to find a place where you are most happy and usually if you join an organization that you like, you will find other people who have similar interests as you, which is key to making friends. Give yourself a break it is only the fourth week of school and people are still trying to coming out of their shells. A month from now, I am sure you will have some good friends who enjoy your company and can’t get enough of you. Keep your head up, be yourself, and friends will come to you. KT
How realistic is a long distance relationship for a full-time college student, will my relationship work out?
As you may already know, college is a new chapter in your journey towards adulthood. It is a time for growth, new opportunities and new experiences. It is also a time for discovering who you are sexually, and learning about what you are looking for in a relationship. College is the perfect place for this because you meet new people, continuously, and if it doesn’t work out with them, the potentials are endless. Studies show that 32.5% of relationships are college relationships, so it is not uncommon. But they also show that 70% of long distances relationships don’t end, but I wouldn’t be frowning just, yet because those same studies show that 80% of local relationships don’t work out. My best advice for you and others like you is to try it. There is no harm in attempting to try to make it work because in the grand scheme of things, you really do have your whole life ahead of you. KT
Will hooking up with a guy before we start officially dating ruin my chances?
The answer to that is simple: Yes, unless all you want to be is a “booty call.” Usually, if you are not already dating then you probably never will be. You know the old saying: Why buy the cow if you’re getting the milk for free? Totally applies. Besides, why would you want to degrade yourself like that? Wouldn’t you rather date the guy and then hook up later/after? At least then you know he’s doing it because he feels something (hopefully respect and love) for you instead of just doing it because you are there. Also, keep in mind that if he’s having sex with you, he possibly could with someone else just because he can, because you are not officially dating. A piece of advice from a smart woman to another smart woman: find another guy who is worth your time! KT
While additionally it is not until recently that I discovered that when it comes to the opposite sex- it is not what you do, but rather how you do it and the manner in which you carry yourself. While I agree with Kristin in the fact that sexual relations before a “relationship” is typically a telltale sign of a “booty call,” – as with everything else–there ARE exceptions to this rule, and I do not necessarily place such actions in juxtaposition with failure. Keep in mind that as a gender, males tend to keep their emotions and hormones separate. A man’s sexual desires have no direct correlation with his feelings for you. While in the past, sex before marriage was taboo, in this day and age, premarital sex is much more morally accepted. My personal advice is for you to go with the flow- don’t overthink things. Humans, regardless of gender, are products of their environment; if you play it cool, he will too. DNC