Starting college is one of the most exciting, nerve-wracking milestones in your life, especially if you’re moving into a dorm or off-campus apartment. You’re gaining an incredible amount of independence by moving out of your home, but you’re also faced with the challenges that come with being on your own. College move-in day is the start of a journey that comes with many roadblocks, from getting used to new surroundings to remembering to buy laundry detergent.

In the weeks leading up to college move-in, your mind is probably jumping to all kinds of unanswered questions. Will you get along with your roommate? Did you buy enough cleaning supplies? How often will you have time to visit home?

Even though it’s impossible to know everything that may or may not happen when you move out, there are ways that you can alleviate your anxiety ahead of time.

Here are five tips to mentally prepare for college move-in:

• Make a list of what you’re looking forward to

When you’re feeling anxious and overwhelmed, it’s always easy to look at the negative side of things or only think about the worst-case scenarios. But there’s always something to look forward to. By focusing on the positives, you’ll gain more optimism about the transition and alleviate some of the anxious feelings that come from the unknown.

Examples include:

• Decorating your room
• Joining a club
• Exploring the local community with new friends

• Explore the campus map

Moving to a new place means that you may feel completely out of your comfort zone at first. And that’s OK. But it’s possible to have anxiety about college move-in because you have to learn the ins and outs of your new environment. It can be stressful to figure out the quickest way to get from classes in different buildings, or where to find the gym. That’s why you can study the campus map ahead of time. It can help you:

• Reduce the risk of being late to class
• Learn about campus features you didn’t know about, like a coffee shop
• Gain a sense of familiarity before starting class

• Create a comprehensive packing list

Packing for college can seem like a daunting task, which is why it should be done gradually over the weeks before move-in day. But there’s always a fear that you’re going to forget something important. The good news is that your family can always bring or ship forgotten items. Plus, any toiletries or household items can be bought at the local stores.

However, creating a packing list for everything you can think of, no matter how small, can help you feel as prepared as possible and reduce the worry about forgetting something. 

Here are some items that you should include in your comprehensive packing list that are often forgotten:

• Keepsakes to help with homesickness
• First aid kit
• Important documents (Social Security card, health insurance card, etc.)
• A power strip (Why are there never enough outlets?)
• An umbrella that stays in your backpack

• Connect with your roommates

Meeting new people is one of the biggest highlights of starting college, but it can also be challenging, especially if you experience social anxiety or prefer to keep to yourself. The good news is that you likely have at least one roommate who may become your first real friend as well. 

Even though there aren’t guarantees that you’ll become super close to your roommates, forming a connection with them before move-in can help you feel less anxious about sharing your space with a new person. Start emailing, texting or connecting on social media. Learn about what you have in common, what you’ll each bring and what you’re looking forward to.

• Use effective coping mechanisms

When it comes to experiencing negative emotions, like nervousness or distress, coping mechanisms are important tools to have in your back pocket. If you’re feeling anxiety leading up to college move-in, learn what strategies help you to slow down your thoughts and boost your positive emotions. By developing them now, they’ll come in handy in the future as you navigate college challenges. 

Coping mechanisms worth trying include:

• Deep breathing
• Journaling
• Exercising
• Spending time with friends and family

It’s expected to experience some form of anxiety leading up to college. When you’re struggling to manage your nerves leading up to college move-in day, we hope these tips can make a difference. However, it’s possible that talking to a therapist can provide you with the support you need to feel mentally prepared for this next chapter. 

If you’re experiencing significant anxiety or depression symptoms leading up to college, our levels of care can help you along your mental health journey:

• Residential Treatment
• Partial Hospitalization Program 
• Intensive Outpatient Program
• Virtual Programs (vIOP and vPHP)

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.