New Transitions
College is a time of constant transition. You're meeting new people, learning new things, and growing into the person you want to be. Even if you've been away for a while, transitioning back into school culture can be a challenging adjustment.
Change is uncomfortable, and feeling vulnerable can trigger our emotional responses. Sitting with that discomfort and processing your emotions is the best way to start feeling normal again.
Step 1: Recall
We've all been through transitions before. Think back to another time when you experienced change. How did you cope? Did you have similar emotions? How do you feel about that change now? Thinking about past transitions helps us gain perspective that this time of transition is not totally new and won't last forever.
Step 2: Pay Attention
Recognize and hold space for how you are feeling. Many times, it is our first instinct to deny our emotions or to minimize them and to try to "gut it out." But true strength comes from being aware of our reactions to change, and understanding why we are feeling those emotions so strongly.
Step 3: Let it Out
Now that you are able to feel your emotions fully, don't keep them hidden. It can be very helpful to talk to someone you trust about your fears and anxieties around this new transition. Speaking your emotions out loud helps you analyze them more objectively, and it is helpful to have some validation that what you are going through is normal.
Taking Leave from School
While you may feel pressured to complete your program of study, you may also find that taking a leave from school is necessary to achieve better life balance.
To take a leave from UCLA Extension, there is no special process. You can simply withdraw from your courses in your student portal. Pay attention to important deadlines regarding refunds and financial aid.
International Students must also consider their visa status when taking time off. While you may not be able to withdraw from your program, you may be eligible for a vacation period or a reduced course load. Please speak with your International Student Services Advisor about details.
If you are a certificate student, you are given a period of five years to complete your certificate. If you do not complete within that timeframe, you will need to retake some courses. Most students finish well within that five year period, but if you are considering taking leave, make sure to calculate your intended return date. If you need assistance with this, you may contact your program department.
Helpful Apps
- TimeTune
You can use TimeTune as your daily task reminder, daily activity manager, habit creation tool, student calendar, timetable manager, schedule organizer, routine optimizer, time manager or daily planner. Free on Android. - Cozi
Cozi cuts out time management concerns by putting all your personal information in one place. It includes a calendar, to-do list, shopping list, journal, and even a recipe manager. And everyone in your family can have access to it so there’s no having to whisper through frantic phone calls at work to coordinate schedules or set up doctor appointments. Free on Apple and Google Play. - RescueTime
An automatic time and attention tracker that helps you monitor how much time you spend in your mobile apps and phone calls, reporting back to you your efficiency score and top distractions on your mobile device. Free on Android; available for Mac and Windows.
Stress Self-Assessment Tools
If you'd like to speak to a wellness advisor at UCLA Extension who will help you find the appropriate support, email us at CSR@uclaextension.edu
