Adjustment Talk for New MScMIB Students

By Josiah Chan, Whole Person Development Section

Student Services Centre (SSC)

August 2017

Today’s agenda

1) Understand the adjustment challenge and strategies to deal with adjustment issues

2) Introduction of Career Services

The information collected during counselling sessions will be kept confidential and only used for the purpose of personal counselling service. All information will be destroyed three years after the student graduates from/leaves the University.

The challenge…

In a new environment, you may experience many uncertainties, differences, which may lead to tremendous amount of stress and adverse effect.

Coping with a New Culture

New students may face… • Cultural difference

• Home sick

• Friendship or social issues

• Studying problem

• Teamwork

• Lack of social support

• Language proficiency

• Psychological distress

• Negative self talk

• Stress and pessimism

• Unrealistic expectation

Warning signs Cognitive Emotional Physical Behavioral

• memory problems

• inability to concentrate

• poor judgment

• seeing only the negative

• anxious or racing thoughts

• constant worrying

• moodiness,• Irritability &

agitation• inability to

relax• feeling

overwhelmed• sense of

loneliness and isolation

• depression

• aches and pains

• diarrhea or constipation

• Nausea• Dizziness• rapid

heartbeat• loss of sex

drive• frequent

colds

• eating more or less

• sleeping too much or too little

• Social isolation• procrastinating/n

eglecting responsibilities

• using alcohol/cigarettes/drugs to relax

• nervous habits (e.g. nail biting, pacing)

Adjustment Tip 1

• Observe, listen and ask questions• Show openness and curiosity to the

differences• Try not to be judgmental

Adjustment Tip 2

• Place your favorite items like CDs, photos in the room or wallet

• Find a taste of home

Adjustment Tip 3

• Stay connected• Build new friendships• True to your feeling, be honest to yourself• Talk to friends, newly met students,

roommate or family (distance call)

Adjustment Tip 4

• Laugh at your mistakes, make your learning easier

• Friendly manner enhance learning and receive help easier

• Have fun

Adjustment Tip 5

• Getting involved in LU & SSC• Develop a support network• Using the University facilities• Participate in ILP and other programmes• Manage your time and routines

Adjustment Tip 6

• Do come and join Cantonese & Putonghua classes in LU

• Learn their language• Linguistic, cultural and context issues• Do more chatting

Counselling Services

Help students address personal, academic, or emotion issues,and deal with challenges in the university life, through providingpsychological counselling and assessments

Adjusting to university life Emotional management Interpersonal relationship Mental health Personal growth Self-understanding Study Problems

Confidentiality

All information will be kept in the strictest confidential. Nothingwill be released to third parties inside or outside the university,including family members, without your consent, unless you arein danger of hurting yourself or another person or yourinformation is required by police.

Think big, work small

Identify the competitive advantages

Get prepared early

Attend more workshops or training to understand the job market and skills

Career Planning

Full time jobs, can refer to https://jobs.ln.edu.hk/

Available opportunities

Full internship, can refer to http://ln.edu.hk/ssc/career/asean

Available opportunities

Wish you have a fruitful & enjoyable university life in Lingnan!

Website: http://www.ln.edu.hk/ssc/