Help! Overwhelmed freshman at Holmes Community College - how do yall handle the stress here?

[WilliamRuiz]

I'm drowning in textbooks and due dates faster than you can say 'midterm'. I'm struggling with major homesickness and this nagging imposter syndrome that makes me feel like I snuck into college by accident.

I'm a perfectionist who's terrible at time management—anyone else feel like they're running on Mississippi mud instead of time? How do y'all handle the stress here? Any advice for a fellow Holmes Hawk who's barely keeping their head above water? I could really use some tips on balancing academics, mental health, and missing home sweet home.

 

[DafnaCross]

Here's what actually helped:

1. Holmes has FREE counseling. Like, already paid for in your tuition. The Counseling Services office on Ridgeland campus saved my life last September when I was ready to drop out. No cost, confidential, and they understand college stress.

2. The Academic Learning Center on Ridgeland has free tutoring AND study skills workshops. They literally teach you how to manage time. That's their whole job.

3. TRIO Student Support Services — if you qualify (first-gen, low-income, or disability), they provide mentoring, tutoring, and even financial guidance. My TRIO advisor kept me enrolled when I wanted to quit.

4. Talk to your professors. Office hours. They remember being freshmen. Most of them actually want to help.

You belong here. The feeling that you don't?