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When College Isn't the Time of Your Life

Advice for students and parents

September 03, 2025 - Emily Ann Pryor

You often hear that moving into college is one of the most exciting and amazing experiences in your life; mine was a little different.

An accident sent me to the ER a week into school, I tried to transfer home the week after that, and I thought that my life could not get any worse than it was at college. I ended up loving Ouachita my first year, but if you or your student are struggling right now, trust me – I’ve been there. It can feel like you are stranded and have no rest from the uneasiness of the unknown. If college is not the best thing ever for your student or yourself at first, here are some things I learned that I hope will help you.

Advice for Students

Manage your expectations. It may seem like every freshman around you is thriving, and even if some are, don’t compare yourself to everyone and don’t expect to be totally settled and adjusted in one week. Building friendships and routines takes time. For me, it was three months before I began to feel comfortable.

Seize every opportunity. You cannot let your feelings in one moment keep you from what could be a fun memory. There will be loads of activities available at Ouachita designed to help you get out there; it may feel awkward at first, but that awkwardness might be what sparks a new friendship! I never regretted attending, but I did regret the times I skipped out. For me, the most important thing I did was get plugged into a local church. God has you here for a reason and wants to grow you through this season.

Utilize Ouachita’s Counseling Services. You do not have to struggle alone. Moving off to college is not easy, and there are people at Ouachita who want to help you through that or just listen to your thoughts. You can make an appointment through the Office of Student Development, and the cost is free for students.

Advice for Parents

Manage your own expectations. You may have had the best college experience, but that does not mean that your student will have the same one you did. Remember that those experiences were built over time, and be sure to let your son or daughter know that it wasn’t perfect for you initially, either. There can be a lot of unintended pressure when you only talk about the good times — sometimes it causes your kid to think something is wrong with them if they experience any challenges or doubts.

Encourage your student; don’t lecture them. I know you have a ton of sound advice, but when your student is feeling lonely or upset, it’s better to just be there for them rather than telling them how to “fix it.” Sometimes, what worked for you may not work for them. Remind them that they are never alone and that God is present in their situation. Encourage them to lean on God during this time of uncertainty or disappointment because He never fails.

Pray. I believe my parents’ prayers were partially responsible for the development I had last year. This can also be a time of spiritual growth for you, parents, as you entrust your student to Him while they’re on their own.

I'm so thankful for the support of my parents and other people at Ouachita who reminded me that God is in control, even in the uncertainty. The fear and discomfort won’t last forever, but the growth will.

Roger Dawson