When I started looking at this topic I imagined that only-children would have a harder time with the social college transition, I based this assumption off of my own experiences.
A major part of the transition is constant interactions with peers which I feel that only-children are at an initial disadvantaged with. Some of these constant peer interactions are roommates. Living with another person for the first time has the potential for conflict and discomfort, and how one deals with the conflict is most critical to maintaining a happy home environment. As an only-child I felt I had most trouble this with part of the transition for two reasons:
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Even though being an only has I think some social disadvantages in the college transition, there are many positives. One of the easier parts of the transition for me was creating and adhering to a personalized schedule. A common trait that only's are stigmatized with is egotism and social precociousness. These traits however are not always a negative, placing ones self in front in a subtle volumes could be positive for ones future self. I think my natural pull to consider oneself important gave me an advantage over peer pressure and the knowledge to be able to balance all activities I wanted to take part in.
Over all being an only child has served me with initial disadvantages and advantages in my first year college transition. It was difficult for me to learn how to compromise without losing ones own happiness when sharing close quarters with someone, but I had an easier time with scheduling and logistic transitions into college which is a common hardship. The first year of college is a growing step for all children whether they have siblings or the only. |