Tips to Adjust to College Life

Starting college can be overwhelming because almost everything in your life changes! Suddenly, it seems like you are being asked to do so much more than you ever had before — and with less support than ever before, too.

Making the adjustment can be hard. Some of the most common challenges students face include: being overwhelmed academically; learning how to manage time; financial stressors, managing adulting tasks like getting health coverage and paying bills; and many new relationships to negotiate and former relationships can become harder to maintain.

How can students overcome these challenges?

Mental health for students becomes so very important while adjusting to college and is one of the top predictors of academic and life success. When you manage your stress successfully, it makes it easier to manage the many new challenges of college.

How can students build a social network, if they’re struggling making friends?

Building community and developing relationships is transformative, but unfortunately, isolation and loneliness are often hidden on a campus. There can be pressure to look like you are thriving — even when you are not. Many students have this experience during their time at college.

Follow your interests and find a place to belong. It is in community that you can explore your identity and become the person who rises over challenges.

How To Find Community:

• Know you are not alone, and everyone is looking to connect with someone.
• Go to university events and seek out interests and activities you like. This will give you an immediate connection with others.
• Learn about Campus Recreation and everything they have to offer.
• Join a club or organization on campus.
• Become a tutor or peer mentor.
• Get a campus job in an area of interest.
• Find an opportunity to volunteer with others for a cause that is important to you.