“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” ― Benjamin Franklin (1)
Each fall, millions of young adults across the country leave home to start college.
For many, this is an exciting time, but for others, adjusting to the university environment can be quite stressful.
Some factors impacting this including living on your own for the first time, and managing your own schedule and social support and college life and other responsibilities all occurring at the same time.
The key may be to plan ahead.
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:
- 10 Things rising freshmen can do to be totally ready for college
- Dealing with setbacks
- Classroom success
- Staying connected
- 6 tips for taking control of your emotional health
- Greek life/service organizations, and many more.
What are some helpful campus resources?
- Check out the OSU Welcome Week has many events to learn about student organizations, campus resources, the Columbus area, and much more.
- OSU student involvement fair has information on student organizations
- OSU Rec sports has options for fitness centers, sports clubs, outdoor activities, aquatics, and much more.
- OSU Student Life Counseling and Consultation Service
- OSU Student Wellness Center for wellness coaching and related services.
- OSU Wilce Student Health center
- OSU Wexner Medical Center offers relaxation skills
By R. Ryan S Patel DO, FAPA OSU-CCS Psychiatrist
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:
- Franklin B. The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, Norton Critical Edition. (Chaplin J). New York: W. W. Norton; 2012
- https://www.psychiatry.org/news-room/apa-blogs/apa-blog/2016/08/5-tips-for-reducing-stress-during-transition-to-college