Q&A: “I Feel Like Campus is Becoming to Small”

Q: I feel like campus is becoming too small. I love Davidson but I just feel like the same things happen every week and it’s all the same people. I don’t know if I’m just in a slump or if Davidson is just too small for me. What should I do?

Dear Reader,

First of all, you’re not alone. I think that everyone feels this at some point during their time at Davidson. It’s not always easy being at a school where everyone knows each other (and their business). It can definitely feel suffocating at times. It’s totally valid to wonder if you’re just in a slump or if Davidson is the problem.

It’s easier said than done, but try new things! Study somewhere different, go to a random club meeting, sit in a new spot in class. We are very much creatures of habit and it’s super important to shake things up every once in a while. Maybe start by trying one new or different thing each day. This can be small, like studying in Wall instead of Libs, or big, like sitting with random people in Commons. One new thing a day might make you look at Davidson a little differently.

Now that we’re back from spring break, Davidson has kicked into full gear. Davidson truly comes alive when the weather gets warmer—more outdoor events like Frolics, more people hanging out on Chambers lawn, more Lampus visits and overall better vibes. Is it possible that your “slump” is related to seasonal depression or winter blues? If it is, maybe springtime is what you need to shake off your funk and get back in a groove.

You could always consider a change of scenery. Depending on what year you are, you may soon have the opportunity to go abroad. From what I’ve been told, most people come back from abroad carrying a new love for Davidson. If you already went abroad or have decided not to, even a summer internship in a new city could give you the break from Davidson that you need.

No one wants to hear this, but it is also possible that Davidson really isn’t your place. Thousands of students in colleges across the country transfer every year because they aren’t happy where they are. There’s absolutely no shame; some people can look at a school and know right away if it’s for them or not, but others might have to try it out for a while before they decide. It’s like online shopping vs. in-store shopping: one works for some people and the other works for others. My older brother transferred to NYU for his junior and senior years of college and he maintains that  it was the best decision he’s ever made. 

Consider whether Davidson seems small socially or academically (or both) to you. If it’s just a social slump, some adjustments to your routine might help. But if you’re feeling like Davidson is too small academically or in a way that a change won’t fix, it’s totally okay to explore other options. You don’t have to have all the answers right now, just know that this feeling is normal—and could be short-lived. Whatever you decide, you have options!

Wishing you a temporary slump and fun-filled spring,

Annabel Groseclose ‘27