<p>Hi, okay so I dont want this to sound like I am complaining, because I realize how lucky I am to be going to such a good school. I am a freshman at the University of Michigan and the second semester just started. My first semester was not good. I went home every weekend, and became emotionally and physically worn down. I tried to get out and meet people and join clubs, but it just didnt work for me. I feel like I don't connect with the people here, and I actually just feel as though I belong somewhere else. I got a house for next year with a couple of other girls (mostly who went to my high school) so I definitely want to be here in the fall just to try something new...because maybe it is just the dorm life I do not like??</p>
<p>I just feel incredibly anxious all the time, and I cry all the time..which is so unlike me. I do miss my family, but that is not the main reason I want time off. I feel like my emotional instability is causing my grades to suffer. My parents dont take me seriously and say that leaving for a semester will make me a "quitter".</p>
<p>My question is this: will taking a semester off help me at all? Will taking time to regroup and restrengthen help me in the long run or will I just fall even more behind? I have a job set up for when I am at home, so I would not be sitting idle. And I definitely will be back in the fall because I really do want to experience college. I just feel like I am not myself and I am incredibly lonely as I am not connecting with anyone here.
HELP!</p>
<p>Have you visited your University’s counseling service? If not, please do. They are particularly skilled at working with first year students to figure out if issues are due to normal adjustment things that they can help and support you with, or larger issues that need other forms of help. Many students feel like you do, so you are not alone. Do you have a roommate or friend you trust who could go with you if you don’t want to go to an appointment alone? Before you leave school, please try the services available to you at your school. Have second semester classes started yet? Do you have some time before you would lose money if you do take a leave this semester? Second semester is often so much better than first semester, so try to connect more with the girls you have a house with next year. Maybe those friendships will be helpful and fun this semester. They must like you or they wouldn’t want to share a house with you…Good luck to you - don’t give up just yet!</p>
<p>Hey I went through the exact same thing you are going through - at the same university.</p>
<p>My experience was that I became very depressed, unmotivated, couldn’t make friends, and went home as well as much as I could the first semester at U of M. Second semester was sooo much better though. I went to their counseling services (which is free for students) and went on an anti-depressant and starting working out a lot too. I took easier classes my second semester which took some pressure off of me. I also got a small part-time job working in the dining halls, which provided me as another way to get out and make friends. While my second semester became better for me, I ultimately ended up deciding U of M wasn’t right for me, and I transferred to another university in Michigan and am much much happier here. </p>
<p>I recommend sticking it out for another semester, getting a part time job on campus or just becoming involved in the one of the hundreds of clubs there is, and definitely go to the counseling center. Feel free to message me. I wish you the best.</p>