Many college-bound high school grads focus on preparing for their classes and settling into their dorm. However, the impact of starting school on your emotional and mental health can be a bit harder to plan for.

Kylie had her class schedule saved to her phone weeks before class started. She thought she had everything organized down to a T. She ordered her textbooks and thought of all the dorm supplies she would need. Two weeks into the semester, she found herself crying in her residence hall bathroom, overwhelmed by homesickness and social anxiety. It never crossed her mind that she might not have the skills she needed to navigate the new social scene and manage her feelings.

You may not be able to predict exactly how you’ll feel once you get to campus. Preparing yourself emotionally means developing skills for handling whatever thoughts and emotions come up for you. 

The following are seven ways you can prep for college emotionally, not just academically:

• Practice independence gradually, starting before move-in day

Build up your confidence by taking on more responsibilities at home and handling personal tasks, like making appointments. Some basic life skills you can start with include laundry, cooking simple meals and budgeting. Try taking some time to problem-solve before asking for help, but also recognize that asking for help when you need it is a skill in itself.

• Develop healthy coping strategies now

Reflect on what your biggest stressors are and how you currently manage your stress. Recognizing your triggers and warning signs can help you beat stress before it snowballs into a bigger issue. You might learn about some mindfulness or meditation techniques to add to your repertoire or start a new exercise routine. 

• Build and maintain meaningful connections

Deepening connections with your current friends and meeting new people can both set you up for social success in college. Think of it as building a base of strong friendships and practicing to start new ones. Learn how to maintain long-distance friendships so you can stay in touch with your friends from home. 

• Create a personal support system blueprint

Having a strong support system will serve you well in college and adulthood. You’ll need different relationships with people who play different roles in your life. These might include peers you’ve known for a long time, those with shared interests, trusted adults, mentors, and people in your community. A therapist or counselor can also be helpful during times of stress and life transitions. Make plans to stay in touch with your friends and loved ones. You might also research campus mental health resources or find out how to access professional support.

• Work on emotional regulation skills

There will be lots of ups and downs in your first weeks of school. Learn about healthy ways to process difficult emotions and manage disappointments and challenges. These might include skills for distress tolerance or resilience. Consider tracking your moods or journaling to work on your self-awareness. 

• Set realistic expectations for the college transition

Starting college will probably bring a mix of emotions, and you may not know exactly how you’ll feel until you get there. Keep in mind that adjustment periods can be difficult, but they’re temporary. Some things you might prepare for include homesickness, academic pressure and social adjustments. 

• Establish routines that support your mental health

You won’t have your parents around to make sure you’re getting ready on time, eating nutritious meals, and going to sleep on a regular schedule. It takes time to build healthy habits, so start now. Find self-care activities that help you feel grounded. Think about the boundaries you’ll need to protect your mental and physical well-being. All of this will prepare you to balance schoolwork with life. 

What will you need to feel prepared for college life?

Your first days of school may be exciting, nerve-wracking, bittersweet, or all of the above. While you’re busy organizing your dorm room checklist, don’t forget to prepare your emotional tool kit for the challenges ahead. Mental and emotional preparation is just as important as academic and logistic preparation. 

If you’re stressing about starting college or you’re not sure how to prepare yourself emotionally, help is available. The summer before college can be a great time to seek mental health care. Our licensed clinicians offer whole-person-focused care that’s personalized to meet your needs. We offer three levels of care for teens. We also offer Lightfully U, a virtual intensive outpatient program (vIOP) created specifically for college students.

If you have any questions about your treatment options, please contact us. Let’s talk about what you’re feeling and how we can help.