College

“What is college going to be like?” “How will I make friends?” “Is the workload going to be overwhelming?”

If these are some of the questions you have been asking as you embark on this next stage of your life, therapy can be a place to discuss, process, and plan for your transition into college. The transition from high school into college is filled with uncertainty about how life will be away from home, living with roommates for the first time, adjusting to a new environment, and adapting to new responsibilities and expectations more independently. Many students experience anxiety in regard to college, especially the first year. Some students find that they feel unprepared for college coursework while other students may worry about how to find their place with new friends. Some areas where therapy may help in both preparing for college or with coping with difficulties while already in college are:

• How to make new friends and develop supports in a brand new environment
• Developing a routine and finding balance with academics, college living, extracurriculars, work, etc.
• Managing stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health symptoms
• Making healthy decisions in regards to new relationships, partying, drugs and alcohol on campus
• Deciding if college is the right path for my future
• Discussing what major might be the best fit for me

Therapy can help with feeling more prepared for the uncertainty of college, develop the confidence to transition to more independent living, stay on top of a faster-paced workload, and discuss strategies for when feeling overwhelmed. By taking steps to feel more prepared and having the skills to navigate the changes that come with college, you can feel more confident and excited about this major life transition.