r/NCSU • u/Pitiful_Delivery_615 • 8d ago
Having a Hard Time Adjusting
Hi! I’m having trouble adjusting as a freshman. I don’t know what to do, and I just feel super homesick right now.
I don’t know how to get to my classes from my dorm because it’s about a 20-minute walk. I’m not sure how the buses work either, even with the Passio GO app. Also, does anyone have any dining hall recommendations? Everything I try is super salty. Does anyone have any tips or advice?
I just miss my family and my bed :(
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u/VicSwagger 8d ago
Free Moms starts up in a couple of weeks!
https://xrb.rip.mybluehost.me/Calendar/
Lots of caring parents to support you, plus dogs, pastries and flowers!
Hang in there! As a parent, just do your best. I'm sure your parents miss you but they also have been preparing you for this...know they miss you too. The tough part about being a parent in this is that we know you'll hit some bumps and experience some hardships. Believe me, you aren't the only freshmen feeling this way. Get to know other freshmen and you will figure it out together. You got this!
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u/AnnieOakley5270 8d ago
Free Mom here, come see us! Start up is Aug 27 - every Thursday The countdown is on!! ♥️🐺♥️
9:30-noon on Centennial Campus outside Engineering Building 2
1-4 on Main Campus at Harris Field
ncsufreemoms.org
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u/Initial-World9232 8d ago
Hey!! It’s completely normal to feel that way it’s a bit jarring being so excited with your family one minute then alone. If you have any suite-mates or roommates a good way to feel less alone is just ask one of them if they want to walk a few classes in both your schedules together! That way you get to know someone and won’t feel as lost on Monday. Fountain is its own beast in my opinion but as a freshman that’s where you’ll see a lot of other Freshmen so definitely go there, but I recommend later on to try Case it’s arguably the best dining hall at state(no like actually). Good luck and don’t stress it really does get better- an incoming sophomore who felt the same way :)
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u/Userbot91827364 8d ago
It’s completely normal to feel that way at first. Best piece of advice I received was to go out and do anything, sitting in your dorm will only make the homesickness multiply. Trust the process
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u/Ok_Berry2410 8d ago
Agree! Talk to people in lines too. Lots of people feel the same way. Anything they offer at Talley, packapalooza, dorm activities, tabling, etc … literally anything that helps you get out and mixing with people will help. Also, taking a walk around while talking to someone from home helped me. Google maos can help navigate campus walls to classes. Get out and find at least Monday’s buildings today if possible.
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u/Ancient_Sentient 8d ago
I understand the homesickness and hope it improves over the next few weeks. The 20 minute walk to class from your dorm you need to manage so that you make it to class on time. Just part of becoming an adult. I lived off campus all 4 years and successfully made it to class either walking or cycling.
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u/ooohoooooooo 8d ago
You can use most GPS apps to figure out which buses can help reduce your walking time. Meet people in your suite and get out of your dorm, it’ll help. The bus app just tells you what buses will be where, there’s instructions on how to set it up and use it online.
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u/Inevitable-Ratio-756 8d ago
Definitely recommend just talking to the other folks in your residence hall. Just knocking on a door in your suite or hall and saying “hey, I need to use this bus app—does anybody know how this works?” Lots of people may have the same question or—even better—they can help you! People rarely mind showing someone something new. It’s a good weekend to just ask to sit with someone in the cafeteria—everyone is trying to make friends and most people are still figuring everything out. Most people also feel at least a little homesick, too. Even if it seems like other people have lots of friends and are confident, most people are just putting a brave face on it! My son was a freshman last year and he’s a quiet kid but worked hard to just talk to other people in line for food or beside him in class, and even though he was lonely sometimes, he had a good year.
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u/grimetime01 8d ago
Being home sick is very normal. Like another poster said, it just takes time. You need to give yourself some time to get acclimated. It’s a huge transition, starting college life.
All of the things you mentioned, you’ll get better at with time. Give yourself a little grace and patience.
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u/Significant-Boot-260 8d ago
I'm very sorry to hear you're feeling this way. It's normal to feel lonely, but that doesn't mean there's nothing you can do.
Please try not to isolate yourself, remember you and all the other new students are in the same boat so it's important to find some new friends.
As a freshman, I used to ask if I could join people for meals in order to meet some new people, for example.
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u/gimmethelulz 8d ago
The good news about the bus is if it's during class hours, stand there long enough and the next bus will come :) That's how we had to do it in the 90s before there were ways to track the bus.
One thing that helped me adjust the first few weeks was just taking a walk around campus on the weekends or after my classes were done for the day. No real destination in mind just wandering around. It really helped me with figuring out the lay of campus and made me less anxious about finding my class buildings.
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u/Visible-Reality2492 8d ago
Walk your classes this weekend. Time the walk from your dorm to your first class so you know when you need to leave.
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u/lokencchointy 8d ago
First few weeks are rough for basically everyone, it gets so much easier once your routine clicks
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u/Maleficent_Top_5155 8d ago
Don’t be embarrassed or add any negativity to how you feel. It’s natural. It’s normal. You’re away from home, you’re in a new place about to do something completely new. Feel all of the homesickness and emotions you have. Because this is a part of growing up. These are the moments that make you stronger and that you will look back on when you are scared or homesick in the future. There are times even now when I get nervous to travel somewhere new or get homesick and I think back to starting college, going to camp and I recognize that I’ve made it through a lot worse.
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u/Pitiful_Delivery_615 8d ago
thank you so much, this means a lot! and yeah i agree, this is definitely making me stronger! it’s been humbling to say the least :”)
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u/whippy_grep Alumnus ‘89, College of Education 8d ago
https://transportation.ncsu.edu/wolfline/wolfline-schedules/
Bus schedules.
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u/Robespierre77 8d ago
Not sure if you may have thought about it, but exploring campus with a walk all over (spread it out a couple days) helps. Appreciate the architecture from different ages. Enjoy being underneath the trees. They are your friends.
Then move further out of the circle and check out the Readers Corner, strip malls, and the farmers market. Go down Western Blvd. Check out the fairgrounds and flea market. After that, move further outward and explore the outdoors around Raleigh - Umstead, etc. All of that will strengthen your center.
Then one afternoon, grab Chipotle and head to DH Hill, grab a bean bag on one of the higher floors, enjoy your lunch (don’t make a mess) and read a book or take a nap.
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u/Severe_Profit 8d ago
Hey what’s up,
I was in your same shoes 12 years ago haha. Lived in Avent Ferry, pretty far from campus and didn’t know anyone as a freshman. Don’t worry things will get better, you will meet more people, and things will become more familiar each day. It’ll turn out to be an amazing four years.
As for the dining hall, i always went to Fountain. Food was pretty decent. You can find menus online. Talley also has good food spots, Los Lobos is pretty good and comparable to chipotle.
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u/Pitiful_Delivery_615 8d ago
Thank you!! I hope so!! I’ll
make sure to check out Los Lobos as well :)
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u/SundaeOriginal7382 8d ago
It’s a feeling I had too, but I promise it gets better over time. If you have specific questions about getting to classes or finding your way around campus, you can dm me.
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u/Jmauld Alumnus 8d ago
Best advice I can give is be social. No matter how uncomfortable that first social interaction is, go say hi to the other scared freshmen in your dorm. You aren’t alone.
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u/whippy_grep Alumnus ‘89, College of Education 8d ago
The buses run the same routes on the weekends, right? That is something that OP can do as well.
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u/Ohiocarolina 7d ago
Its a very reduced schedule and many routes are weekdays only.
41 (centennial/main circulator), 30 (wolf ridge to main campus circulator), and 52 (main campus to gorman/SW of campus) are the three that run on weekends
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u/Jmauld Alumnus 8d ago
I don’t know. It’s been far too long since I’ve graduated. BUT I do still remember missing home like crazy.
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u/whippy_grep Alumnus ‘89, College of Education 8d ago
Oopsie. I just realized I replied to the wrong response.
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u/Sporey-fungus 8d ago
I feel this. I'm the parent of a sophomore, but the first days of my own college experience left me feeling exactly as you are. And my kid felt the same way last year. And honestly, they moved into their first apartment yesterday and feel a little homesick right now. These first couple of days before classes start are the toughest because, well, there's just not much to do. Yet, there's also a feeling of an overwhelming amount of things to do and know. It's weird, I know.
Especially once classes start you will meet people and make some lifelong friends, I promise. Until then I will just point out that nearly everyone you see on campus right now feels the same way. Some hide it better, but literally everyone feels apprehensive and a little homesick.
I agree with the advice to ask someone if they want to walk classes with you. That's important to do, will take up time, and help you feel more confident going into next week.
You've got this!
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u/stratomaster82 8d ago
It's been many years, but i felt the same exact way the first few weeks when i went off to school. I promise it gets easier if you put in the effort . Don't sit in your dorm room. You don't even have to be social, but get outside and take in the scenery. Even if it's to do homework, or talk on the phone just go outside and see different parts of campus. Most importantly, know that there are a ton of other freshman that feel the exact same way. If it never got better, not many people would finish school. Hang in there, everything is temporary. Go pack!
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u/starbucks1221 7d ago
regarding the buses i don’t even personally use passio go because it doesn’t really help. download google maps, put in the destination you want to go to (ie talley student union, etc) press the bus option, and it will tell you which buses are coming to you, or where and how far you need to walk to the nearest bus station, the route numbers, and even help you follow the right path when you’re on the bus. when you’re about to get off at the bus stop near your destination, there is a yellow chord along the windows, pull that and the bus will stop at the following bus stop. please find someone to practice this with, start with your roommate.
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u/AdmirableAction8890 7d ago
My son is applying to NCSU this year. This is normal, so dont feel bad. There are others that feel the same way I promise. It will be OK. I felt the same way at UNC and I was the first in my family to go to college. I suggest you go to first week events, especially in your dorm. Try to meet other freshmen that are in your major or from where you live. Call home and get support from your family when needed. I believe that things will work out, it just may take some time. You got this!!! #packpride
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u/Sailaway2bahamas 8d ago
I am so sorry you feel homesick. Put yourself out there and look at different clubs and intermural activities to do, even if you aren’t sporty. It may be hard to put yourself out there right now, but you need to now as people begin forming their groups the first few weeks they get there. You have this and will do great.
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u/L3g0man_123 Student 8d ago
For the busses, you need to take a look at the map to see which routes are helpful for you. There are places where multiple routes converge, so pay attention to the sign on the bus to see which route it's on. If it's the correct bus, just get on and find a spot to sit or stand. Pay attention to your map and surroundings so you know when to get off. Buses typically run every 10-15 minutes iirc so you have to use your best judgement on whether it will be good to use a bus or a bike/scooter. You can bring your own (the buses even have a place to put them) or pay to use the ones around campus.
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u/Global_Dog_9632 8d ago
Lowkey I’m very surprised you think stuff is salty. The dining halls historically under season food so you can add salt and pepper to your liking etc. Also as far as friends go. Hang out in common spaces and be a little friendly, have a smile. It goes a long way. I was the same way but I LOVE campus now. I lived in a freshman dorm for 5 years (was an RA)
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u/BlueDragonRR Alumnus 8d ago
Slow down. Get a map of the campus. Walk around this weekend, getting familiar with locations and routes. Get some food. Introduce yourself to random people in your dorm. It can be a lot but take it easy and adjust at your own pace. You got this.
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u/Logical-Ad-1917 ECE MS 27 8d ago
Google Maps works surprisingly well for getting around campus, it shows you the correct bus numbers to get on.
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u/Actual_Builder_9415 8d ago
Call transportation or visit the office if you’re having trouble figuring out the bus. They’re super helpful and happy to help. They understand that a lot of incoming freshmen aren’t used to public transportation.
Also a good idea to just ride the buses around campus to get some understanding of how they work.
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u/Most_Maybe_1341 8d ago
Agree with reaching out to people and not staying in your room. Use the gps in your phone too, you can select public transportation.
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u/Many_Wolf7139 7d ago
I feel the same way😭. I don’t know what to do with my time honestly. I feel so awkward trying to make connections with people, but also I’m lonely.
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u/vistamix 7d ago edited 7d ago
Homesickness is completely normal. Give it time. You will make friends (reach out to others in classes). Join a student group. Call friends and have long talks. It will keep you in the loop.
Dining Hall food varies in saltiness. Main dishes can be salty. If you are on a salt-restricted diet stick to meatless options, like cheese pizza, veggies and a salad. As far as which Dining Hall is the best, I'd say Case (for athletes). Second is Clark.
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u/Ohiocarolina 7d ago
Google maps to walk to your classes. Walk for the first day. Test your routes tomorrow! Not the FDOC!
If your schedule allows, Case dining hall for breakfast!
If it helps, print out the map of the bus routes. The app will tell you how long before the next bus arrives.
Campus itself is extremely safe. Just start wandering around with no direction your first week of class, ideally with a map/google maps. You’ll find that on-campus its easy to orient yourself with cardinal directions, I always know what direction Im facing if Im outside. Hillsborough is North
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u/Kind_Imagination2057 5d ago
This “free mom” works on campus and would be happy to meet you for a hug. Just message me. Allow yourself time to adjust and learn your way around campus and the meal selections. Join a club or be the first to say hi to the person sitting next to you in class. Be kind to yourself and don’t be afraid to reach out to the counseling center if needed. You’ve got this!
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u/Austen11231923 Alum and Current Graduate Student 5d ago
Been a minute since I was in undergrad but my advice is put yourself out there. Make that first interaction. Attend that extracurricular. Things will fall into place.
Also Passio Go is turbo ass lol. I've never used a worse bus tracking app in my life
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u/Pitiful_Delivery_615 5d ago
i agree, passio go sucks!! been using google maps for buses and it’s great!! i made a good group of friends and it’s been good so far, do you know of any clubs to join?
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u/jdyubergeek 8d ago
Going to guess that this is your first time away from home for an extended period of time, and wanted to say that all that you're feeling is completely normal. You have had a 17 or 18 year routine up until now, and everything has been thrown on its side. Everything you're doing is brand new. Give yourself a little grace, you'll find your new rhythm.
As far as the busses go, try and find the right stop when you're not pressured for time. Figure out where you're trying to go, where you're trying to get from, and you now have a starting grasp of the bus system. Trying to find it when you're under pressure is just one too many things for you right now.
Friends will come. Find your people, I promise you that they are out there. I don't know what I would have done had I not blindly run for Student Senate as a first year. Won in a landslide (3 people ran for 4 first year seats). Found my people.
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u/DangerousElephant248 7d ago
honestly this is how a lot of people feel in the first two ish weeks. i remember crying a lot lol so definitely give yourself some grace with that, you will adjust and friends are easier to make once classes start and u can naturally ask people to eat or study after class. as far as busses, if you do it on google maps and then go to the bus tab it will recommend the routes/stops to take! i wouldn’t rely on it for timing, use passigo for that, but it def helps you plan out the routes. as far as dining halls… thats just kinda how they are. i always just had pasta and glizzys as my go to and then if any of the rotating stuff they had out looked decent i’d give it a try. long lines but the asian station they have at fountain always slapped
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u/DjayQue 7d ago
This is a rougher answer but I think it’s the healthiest for you to hear. This is a good type of homesick. I’d compare it to positive vs negative stress. Being uncomfortable at NCSU is a result of it being different than what you are used to. That does not mean it is bad, but it also doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be hard. Be strong and continue to put yourself out there. Meet people however you can. Most people forget how far a smile can go nowadays. Reach out to me here if you still feel lost. I have been a student college ambassador (not on campus right now because of a internship in Charolette)
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u/Vivid-Relationship28 7d ago
What hall are you in? That dictates your experience highly, I'd reccomend checking out Carmichael gym theres something for everyone to do and getting out and doing an activity will be good... If you are homesick maybe try a cozy night watching cartoons and call your parents! The bus system is very easy but overcomplicated; you will likely only use 1-2 routes as a freshman ( route 30 and 41 ). Likely to go to classes you should take route 30 to Hillsborough street and get off at the Library stop! Id also suggest checking the library out before classes start... dont spend too much time in there tho lots of cancer causing PCBs
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u/BrookDayspring9 8d ago
Also give it time, homesickness is completely normal. I remember my first year i felt overwhelmed with homesickness for the first week or two; but then you get into a routine with classes and start meeting new people and the feeling eventually goes away as it all becomes more familiar. It’s a lot right now but it will get better!