{"id":11355,"date":"2025-02-26T10:47:36","date_gmt":"2025-02-26T15:47:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stationsme.ca\/ressource-etudiant\/factsheet-transitions-and-adaptation-to-change\/"},"modified":"2025-10-30T08:28:33","modified_gmt":"2025-10-30T12:28:33","slug":"factsheet-transitions-and-adaptation-to-change","status":"publish","type":"student-resource","link":"https:\/\/stationsme.ca\/en\/students\/taking-care-of-yourself\/tools-for-students\/factsheet-transitions-and-adaptation-to-change\/","title":{"rendered":"Factsheet: Transitions and adaptation to change"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Life is made up of small and big changes to which we have to adapt. Some are associated with events, life stages or unforeseen events. You\u2019ve probably already experienced a few of these in recent years: starting college or university, leaving your home, moving to a new town, mourning the loss of a relationship, living with a roommate, etc. There are also the smallest changes, even positive ones, that can throw us into transition mode, such as returning from a vacation or a trip. Although everyone reacts differently to change, knowing how to adapt is essential. Stubbornly resisting a change over which we have little or no influence can generate its share of difficult emotions and lead to exhaustion. So we can work on developing our ability to navigate through life\u2019s ups and downs. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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View all tools for this topic<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

What influences the ability to adapt to change?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Adapting to change or transition is a complex process that depends on many factors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The characteristics of the situation<\/strong>: Is the change unexpected, desired, or imposed? Does it occur at the same time as other events that place heavy demands on your energy? Are there any features that make the situation easier or harder to cope with? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your reactions or behaviours when facing change<\/strong>: What do you feel when you experience change: excitement, fear, anxiety? What strategies do you see for coping with the situation: act on the situation, changing direction, managing stress, letting go? Do you have confidence in your ability to get through the situation? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The resources available to you<\/strong>: Are the people around you (family and friends) available to support you during this change? Do you have access to services at your school? Do you feel equipped to adapt to this change?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Transition to adulthood<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The transition to adulthood usually occurs between the ages of 18 and 25, but it can start as early as 16 and end after 30. This period, full of both challenges and opportunities, is a time of gradual empowerment. Becoming more independent can, for example, lead you to leave the family nest, make professional choices, invest in a romantic relationship, learn to manage your finances, have a child, get a coveted job, etc. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And then there\u2019s life beyond your studies, with its own set of challenges. It\u2019s normal to need a few weeks before you feel competent and at ease in your program. Some doubts and challenges may remain, but you\u2019ll still be able to persevere, remaining confident that things will improve over time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

ENTRY AND RETURN TO COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Transitions from high school to college and university come with their own set of academic, social, and psychological challenges. The same is true if you\u2019re going from a master\u2019s degree to a doctorate. What we\u2019re trying to tell you here is that it\u2019s normal to feel a little disoriented during your first semester. It\u2019s a big adjustment period for many things: adapting to a new learning culture, uncertainty about your field of study, developing a sense of competence, and so much more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And then there\u2019s life beyond your studies, with its own set of challenges. It\u2019s normal to need a few weeks before you feel competent and at ease in your program. Some doubts and challenges may remain, but you\u2019ll still be able to persevere, remaining confident that things will improve over time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The migratION experience: Moving to PURSUE YOUR STUDIES<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re an international student, the migration experience has probably been synonymous with major changes and upheavals in your lifestyle. Everyone\u2019s experience is different, but adaptation is generally a gradual and non-linear process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. The honeymoon<\/strong>: this is the period of euphoria and excitement following the arrival. Everything is new, everything is beautiful! <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Crisis or confrontation<\/strong>: this period of delusion usually coincides with the start of classes. It\u2019s at this time that the differences between Quebec and your country of origin can be keenly felt. There\u2019s a loss of bearings, leading to feelings of confusion, frustration, powerlessness, isolation, and nostalgia. This is when you may feel a strong desire to return to a familiar, secure environment. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Adjustment<\/strong>: This stage takes more or less time, depending on the coping strategies put in place. Not everything is perfect, but new habits, and a sense of competence is established. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Bicultural fluency<\/strong>: This is the final stage, which may occur after several years, when you know feel at home in both the host culture and your culture of origin.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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