Transitioning to College

By R. Ryan S Patel DO, FAPA OSU-CCS Psychiatrist

Starting college can be an exciting time, but its also a stressful time.

Some causes of  stress include getting used to living on your own for the first time, and managing your own schedule, academics, food, laundry, homework, and social support and and various other opportunities and challenges offered by college life.

Plan ahead may be useful to manage stress related to transition.  Before the semester starts or during syllabus week, can you plan a trip home for later in the semester? How about planning social obligations ahead of time when possible? A general study schedule and routine?  What about a general schedule for the week/month for buying groceries, exercise, open time to relax/recuperate?  Having a general plan before the semester starts or at the beginning of the semester may help keep you from getting over-scheduled or over-committed.

Who will you reach out to if things are not going well or if you are having problems? (some campus resources are listed below).

What are some helpful steps to ease the transition to College?

The American Psychiatric association suggest these 5 tips for reducing stress during the college transition (2):

  • Become familiar with campus ahead of time
  • Get involved on campus activities.
  • Before the school year starts, proactively plan a visit home.
  • Figure out a way to stay connected with your support system.
  • Establish a health care provider before starting the school year.

Where can I learn more?

The Jed Foundation has numerous articles on successful transition to college:

  • navigating changing relationships on and off campus
  • strategies for adjusting to college life
  • academic success
  • mental health concerns on campus, etc.

What are some helpful campus resources?

Disclaimer: This article is intended to be informative only. It is advised that you check with your own physician/mental health provider before implementing any changes. With this article, the author is not rendering medical advice, nor diagnosing, prescribing, or treating any condition, or injury; and therefore claims no responsibility to any person or entity for any liability, loss, or injury caused directly or indirectly as a result of the use, application, or interpretation of the material presented.

References:

  1. https://www.psychiatry.org/news-room/apa-blogs/apa-blog/2016/08/5-tips-for-reducing-stress-during-transition-to-college