Starting college is one of the biggest life milestones for many people. However, the excitement is often overshadowed by all the new changes, challenges and opportunities. From a laundry list of clubs that you can join to quickly filled calendars, it’s not always easy to find your footing, and that’s OK.

There’s an adjustment period that comes from starting college; it can take a few months to find a rhythm. The first month of college can feel like you were tossed into the deep end. You’re expected to feel a bit stressed, confused and even a bit intimidated. The good news is that those feelings can often be alleviated with the right tips and tricks.

Finding peace during the start of your college career can be accomplished in many ways, and learning how to adjust your mindset and prioritize your mental health can make a significant difference. 

Here are five mental health tips for college students to keep in mind while trying to find contentment during freshman year:

• Be kind to yourself — Entering college can often worsen insecurities and self-doubt because it’s easy to compare yourself to other students who may come from more affluent backgrounds or more prestigious schools or have more accomplishments under their belt. While it can feel intimidating and lead to you hyperfixating on your perceived flaws or shortcomings, a little self-compassion goes a long way. Be kind to yourself with positive self-talk, mindfulness and gratitude for what you have.
• Set realistic expectations — College can open up a world of possibilities that can help you achieve long-term goals and have memorable experiences. The quantity of classes, programs and clubs can make you want to take everything on out of fear that you’re missing out. However, it’s important to set your expectations early on to avoid burnout. Be sure that you know what you’re mentally, physically and financially capable of taking on. Overloading yourself can affect your academics as well as your mental health.
• Have a night routine — It can take a while to get a routine down, as your schedule could be different every day of the week. It’s important to give yourself time to decompress every day, and establishing a night routine can help. Beyond brushing your teeth and washing your face, do something every night that gives your mind a rest. That could be journaling, watching a comfort show or listening to a relaxing playlist. The key is to do it every night. The predictability can ease anxious thoughts.
• Make a friend — Yes, that sounds like something a parent would say to a kindergartener. Friendships make a significant positive impact on your mental health. Friends can lend an ear when you need to vent about your stress and find comfort in similar experiences. They can also encourage you during uncertain times and help you feel accepted in a new place. So try to make just one new friend in your first month, whether it be your roommate or the person you sit next to in statistics class.

• Explore your campus resources — College is about more than just getting good grades, and your campus administration understands that. Many colleges offer clubs, initiatives and resources that help students prioritize their mental health and receive support both in and out of the classroom. Do a bit of research to see what your college offers for people who are struggling to adjust or to manage their mental health. Possible options include mental health centers, executive function coaching and NAMI on Campus clubs.

Starting college can bring on a flurry of emotions that make it difficult to find peace. With the right tips, you can start off on a good foot and set yourself up for success — academically, mentally, emotionally and socially. However, if you need a bit more support as you start your college career, we’re here to help. You can also stay tuned for the second part of the “Finding Peace in College” series for more insight.

Our Lightfully U program is a virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (vIOP) for college students that can help you address and reduce the mental health distress that’s impacting your overall quality of life, such as severe anxiety and depression symptoms. It’s a flexible option that can be worked around your busy schedule.

In addition to our vIOP, we offer the following intensive levels of care for college students with mental health disorder symptoms that they’re having trouble managing on their own:

• Residential Treatment Center
• Intensive Outpatient Program
• Partial Hospitalization Program

Change is possible. When you’re ready to take the first step, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.