As a first year student success seminar professor for many years, I discussed the W-Curve with my students early in the semester and continued to refer to it throughout to help them reflect, connect and move forward in their life, both in and out of the classroom.

What is the W-Curve Theory?

The W-Curve Theory is a predictable pattern of stages which occurs when a person experiences life changes, such as starting college. Zeller and Mosier (1993) found that the W-Curve could be applied to the first-year college student experience, in particular the first semester transition. The theory helps students understand that making the transition to college has culture shock aspects to it and helps normalize the transition. Therefore, they can process and adapt to their new environment and chosen school easier.

Here are the stages of the W-Curve Theory

Honeymoon
1. Honeymoon starts with an overall feeling of general excitement and positive anticipation starting before they leave (they receive mail and housing assignments, etc.)
2. It’s common for students to start to feel homesick mixed in with all the fun in the beginning of a new chapter in life.
Culture Shock
1. The newness of college begins to wear off.
2. Begin to deal with the reality of the adjustment- roommate issues, eating in the cafeteria, fining a group of friends.)
3. Academic adjustments need to take place in order for the student to make a success transition to college. (Finding classes, large lecture halls, clarify note taking, tests).
4. Feelings of homesickness may increase.
5. This is a period of positive change when the person undergoes self-reflection, personal conflict and some anxiety.
Initial Adjustment
1. This is when first year students feel a general upswing in emotions
2. They have successfully managed many of the issues that come up.
3. Overcome the culture shock and have started to develop a general sense of well being.
4. Develop a positive routine.
5. Routine develops a sense of normalcy and schedule.
6. Conflicts may come and go but students are now feeling more in the swing of things.
Mental Isolation
1. First year students develop a feeling of homesickness, especially after they return to campus after a long extended break.
2. They feel a sense of emotional isolation.
3. The initial euphoria of being a college student has worn off.
4. The realities of dorm life, campus culture and school work has set in that this is the new norm.
5. Reflecting on your own self-identity both ethnically, religiously and sexiual orientation occurs.
6. Analyzing your values and beliefs occurs
Acceptance, Integration and Connectedness
1. Develop a history on campus with friends, teammates and colleagues, a new sense of self and acceptance develops.
2. A balance between what’s foreign and normal occurs.
3. A true sense of acceptance, integration and connectedness happens on campus.