Mental 泫圖弝け on Campus: A Guide for New and Returning College Students
Whether youre a new student or just returning after summer break, moving onto a college campus is a big deal. While the idea of living outside of your parents house, making new friends, and diving into your major is exciting, it also marks a significant life transition that can bring stress and uncertainty.
People are transitioning from their parents home into a university setting, and often this transition is marked by exploration of new ideas, challenges, and even their own identity, explains Torrence Wimbish, PhD, CMHC, program manager of the at the 泫圖弝け of Utah. So when theyre coming into a new environment with the weight of all these changes, it can feel really overwhelming.
But how can you tell the difference between normal stress and something more serious? And how do you cope when youre away from your usual support system? As you pack your bags for a new semester, remember these tools and tips to help you keep tabs on your mental health so you can thrive in college.
Preparing Before Move-In Day
Emotionally preparing yourself to start college is just as important as remembering to pack your toothbrush or deodorant.
Before classes begin, try the following strategies so you can start the semester strong:
- Get yourself on a regular sleep schedule. This will help your body get adjusted to the routine you will have during the semester.
- Identify techniques that help you relax, such as meditation, yoga, or exercise.
- Set realistic goals. Overloading your schedule can lead to avoidable stress and burnout. Remember, you dont have to accomplish everything in one semester, and its OK to fail or make mistakes.
- Locate your classes before the first day. You can even do a dress rehearsal and walk through your daily schedule so you know how to get to each classand how much time you need to arrive promptly.
- Find dining halls and incorporate time to eat into your schedule. Taking time to eat a nutritious meal will prevent you from crashing in the middle of the day.
Maintaining Mental 泫圖弝け on Campus
Dont abandon your mental health once the semester is underway. The following strategies can help you feel supported throughout the school year, even when youre busy juggling responsibilities.
1. Know Your Resources
College campuses have many resources to help you succeed, so dont be afraid to take advantage of them. Knowing where to go, whether its during a crisis or just for a little extra support, can make a huge difference.
Students can access the following resources to stay on top of their mental health:
- A free and confidential way to chat with a licensed mental health professional 24/7/365.
- : A great resource for near you.
- Campus Counseling Center: You can typically find individual counseling, group therapy, medication services, and workshops on your college campususually at low or no cost.
Check what services your university offers, such as a wellness center, student health center, or disability and access center.
I like to tell people to make a resource file, so you know whats available when you need it, Wimbish says. I encourage parents to be aware of those resources, as well, and to normalize help-seeking, so as you drop your students off at residence halls, you can reinforce that if theyre struggling, they dont have to do it alone.
2. Find Your Community
It might be intimidating to put yourself out there, but connecting with others can help you build a support system to turn to during difficult times. Get to know your roommate or other peers in your dorm. Join a study group, club, or intramural sports team. You can identify groups youre interested in joining before you even arrive on campus and work their meetings into your schedule.
We as human beings need one another, says , associate director of programming and outreach for the . We need relationships. We need friendships. The more you feel connected to people, the more you can feel like you have a sense of belonging and a sense of purpose.
3. Stay Connected At Home
If youre feeling homesick, remember: thats normal, and youre not the only one struggling with it.
Try scheduling regular phone calls with your parents, siblings, or friends back home. This can lift your mood and give you an opportunity to talk about how youre doing with trusted individuals. Knowing you have that Sunday morning chat with your parents each week or a FaceTime date with a friend can be something to look forward to, as well as a mental health check-in.
When to Ask for Help
You dont need to wait until you feel like youre at a breaking point to seek out mental health support.
However, if you experience the following, reach out to a mental health professional as soon as possible:
- Feeling hopeless
- Experiencing panic attacks
- Difficulty functioning in daily life (i.e. grades or class attendance suffering due to mental health)
- Losing interest in things you usually enjoy
- Social isolation
- Difficulty keeping up with personal hygiene
- Thoughts of harming yourself or others
Moving to college is a huge milestone that can bring up a lot of different emotions. While its perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed or make mistakes, taking the time to mentally prepare yourself before you even step foot on campus can help make that transition a little smoother. Most importantly, remember that you are never alone and can always ask for help.
