Navigating First Semester FOMO

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For first-year students, it can sometimes feel like everyone else is having a super exciting experience while you are isolated, stuck outside of the social group. There’s so much to experience and you want to fit in with others, but it’s hard to break into new friend groups. It’s incredibly normal to feel like you are missing out sometimes. It’s what many call FOMO, the fear of missing out. So, here are a few tips for navigating this First Semester FOMO.

Initiate Friendships: There’s something to be said for taking the first step in a friendship. A lot of times people feel afraid to reach out or suggest plans because they have a fear of rejection, so they end up waiting for others to initiate a friendship. By being the one to take the first step, you can open the door to new friendships.
Attend Campus Events: It can feel daunting to attend a campus event if you don’t know anyone who will be there, but if you conquer this fear, you will probably discover that campus events are great opportunities to meet new people and connect with people that might share your interests. Be a part of the action! Take the step to join a club or attend an event. By broadening your horizons, you are giving yourself the chance to make new friendships and gain new experiences.
Build Relationships with Your Classmates: When group projects are assigned, there can be anxiety for some students because they don’t know their classmates well. It can feel frustrating and isolating to join a group when you don’t know your peers and feel that you don’t fit in. Be intentional with creating friendships in your classes, it will open doors for study groups, group projects, and academic success and belonging. It takes courage to build these relationships, but they will pay off in the long run.
Recognize the Moments You’re In: Social media has amplified FOMO for many people. You can view all of the exciting moments that other people take part in online, and you may start to feel lonely or left out. One way to combat these feelings is by intentionally remembering good moments you were a part of. Take time to recognize the good moments, being grateful for the experiences you’ve had and the people you’ve gotten to know.
Embrace Spontaneity: A lot of fun moments in college are unplanned. Give yourself the freedom to go with the flow and embrace whatever moments may arise. It’s not realistic to expect fully-fledged plans and a lot of heads up; be prepared for exciting, last-minute plans that may not fit into your well-defined schedule. Embrace the spontaneous moments and you’ll be sure to find many lasting memories.
Take Care of Your Mental Health: If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, loneliness, or insecurities, these things may influence your perception of others. It is a lot easier to feel left out or rejected when your view is clouded by negative emotions. If you take the step to confront your struggles, which could mean reaching out to Geneva’s Counseling Services, you might find that what you have is not less than others.
Find Joy in Being Alone: There is sometimes a belief that you must be with people and constantly doing things in order to be happy. However, it is completely possible to be lonely amongst many other people. If you are struggling with loneliness, one of the best steps you can take is to focus on finding peace within yourself. It is good to be alone sometimes, and if you are struggling to be alone, then maybe you should consider why that is. If you aren’t happy on your own, then being around friends is not a magic solution.

No one wants to feel like the odd man out, but don’t fear, that is completely normal. Everybody feels that way at some point. But just because it’s normal doesn’t mean you have to accept that feeling. Take the steps to recognize your feelings, then do what you can to build strong relationships and enjoy what’s around you. Be present when you are included in events and try not to take it personally when you are not. College is a great time to build friendships and embrace new experiences, so take advantage of your opportunities and enjoy yourself. You can overcome your First-Semester FOMO!

Mattigan Burleigh '24

Opinions expressed in the Geneva Blog are those of its contributors and do not necessarily represent the opinions or official position of the College. The Geneva Blog is a place for faculty and contributing writers to express points of view, academic insights, and contribute to national conversations to spark thought, conversation, and the pursuit of truth, in line with our philosophy as a Christian, liberal arts institution.

Sep 5, 2024

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