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/