By: Upsider Therapy

While going off to college can be an exciting time for many to form new friendships and gain independence, being in a new, unfamiliar environment can feel anxiety-inducing. While this new phase of life may be filled with change and uncertainty, it can be helpful to remember how exciting this time can be, as well. College can be an amazing time to discover yourself, form new connections, learn about new ideas, and make lifelong memories. Starting this chapter may feel intimidating, however  there are many ways that can help make the transition feel a bit easier.  Here are some tips to help manage anxiety during the transition of going off to college:

Make your new home feel like your old home:

Making your dorm feel familiar can help create an “at home feeling” in your new environment. Creating a space that feels cozy and familiar can help ease some of the unfamiliarity associated with a new space. Decorating your new room with pictures of your family and friends can be a great way to feel a sense of familiarity and provide constant reminders of those who you cherish and love. Another approach is to bring meaningful items from home, like the pillow you sleep with at night or having a scented candle similar to the smell of your home. 

Join social groups:

One of the most exciting aspects of college is having new opportunities for socializing! While joining a social group like a fraternity or sorority might not be for everyone,  there are other opportunities to find where you belong. Whether joining a club, sports team, fraternity/sorority, or just a Facebook Group, getting involved with social groups at your new school is a great way to make friends and bond over shared interests and find other like-minded individuals  

Implement healthy coping skills: 

Managing feelings of anxiety and stress can be difficult, and experiencing these feelings can feel isolating and lonely. Going to college can feel scary, and as with any change, that is a very common feeling!  Learning and practicing healthy coping skills will allow you to help decrease and manage some of this stress and anxiety associated with the transition. Practicing healthy coping skills like journaling, breathing exercises, meditation, exercising, and finding a therapist, can be really helpful. 

Establish a routine: 

Implementing a steady routine can create tangible consistency in your life and can help limit anxiety. This could mean waking up or going to sleep at a set time, having the same evening or morning routine, or even consistently participating in an activity like taking a walk, or going to the gym. Give it a try- you might be surprised at how helpful a routine can be! As important as having a routine is, being able to have flexibility in the routine is also important to allow last minute changes and plans to happen!

Practice self-care: 

Consistently practicing self-care has been shown to reduce stress, decrease anxiety and depression, and increase productivity. Self-care comes in many different forms, but can involve anything where you are taking the time to do something joyful for yourself. Examples of self-care include practicing a skincare routine, going on a run, reading a book, or even watching a funny movie. Sometimes self-care can even mean sitting in silence! Doing anything that can help bring a sense of joy can be considered self-care.

Lean on your pre-existing circle: 

It's important to make new friends, but don’t forget that you can lean on your friends back at home, too. Your friends are likely having similar feelings and can help provide support during this transition. Having friends who you are already close with can help provide a sense of comfort and familiarity!

While the transition to college can feel overwhelming and stressful, it can also be met with excitement and new adventures.  If you are experiencing a difficult time with the transition to college, and want to learn healthy coping skills to manage these feelings, please reach out to hello@upsidertherapy.com today.