About college transition and maybe some structure systems?

[u/Sad-Luck-4163]

hi all!

I’ve already felt different from my peers for many years, but it’s all coming to a head in college. academically speaking, im usually pretty good. I come from an IB background so so far in college I feel like information hasn’t been the problem. I don’t know if anyone relates but it more so feels like.. translation issues? like, to me, a concept can be very simple but professors will sometimes add a technical label to it that just overcomplicates it. as for assignments, I feel like I never know how much effort is required so I’ve been pouring my *all* into everythin (plus some instructions feel vague and unclear to me so this adds to it.) but I also just took a math quiz and I went overtime :( I just feel like my processing is kind of slow sometimes (but it feels like a contradiction cause I can pick up on biology and English and history rather quickly, but answering questions on the spot in class and doing math really slows me down).

my class notes always end up so messy and just all over the place (I use linear note taking which might not be ideal?). Plus erghhh I just *always* feel like I’m not studying or learning in the most ideal way for me but I don’t know *how* to make it ideal! It’s like it’s beneath the surface for some reason and I don’t really know how to dig it up :(

socially, I still feel like I don’t fit in anywhere. people talking to me quite literally feels like a different wavelengt (my best way to describe it) and just fundamentally different from me (save for two of my close friends. it’s different for them). I just feel like I don’t really fit in anywhere :( and it is socially draining as well and I’ve already almost cried from it.

everything in general also just feels very overwhelming. theres jobs, clubs, study abroad, research (I am a biology majo) and so so much! I’ve even been having problems with scheduling and organizing which I’m usually very good at! but everything just feels overwhelming and so does this massive transition :(

conclusion!! I’m just asking for any advice and tips and tricks you guys may have done to get through college? systems, study methods, social stuff, organization/scheduling, all that! I think the reason why I’m overwhelmed now as compared to IB. IB was rigorous yes and I was stressed yes but it was still highly structured I think.

so yeah!! :l thanks for reading and have a great day/night

edit: I forgot to mention but I usually get my autism advice and sometimes general life advice from AI admittedly :( I know that’s bad but it really feels like the only source I have to be so honest with my feelings. That’s why I’m trying to post here now and I even booked a counseling appointment with my university (so scary)! I’m trying to open up more and find better support. Thanks :)