College 101: Key Tips To Survive Your First Year

Posted by Marissa Fuqua, Contributing Writer, on Aug 17, 2022

College 101: Key Tips To Survive Your First Year

You walked across the high school stage (or football field) feeling limitless. That same feeling returns as you step foot on campus to start your first year of college. You are free! Life is grand for a few days, but then you start to feel some unfamiliar things: loneliness, stress, anxiety, but also happiness. You are still free but now feeling...overwhelmed. Why so much emotional distress, especially during the first year away from home?

Everything from academic pressure to overprotective parenting to excessive engagement in social media has been blamed for the spike in anxiety and depression in young adults.  Too many college students face challenges for which they are emotionally ill-equipped to handle. In fact, suicide is now the second leading cause of death for college students. Read on for some key tips to help you handle the changes and challenges you will experience as you transition to college life.

How Can I Prepare for College Life?

Leaving home for college can make most people feel as though they aren't quite ready. Like any big adventure, it is important to be prepared. Here are some tips to help you get ready for college before you ever leave home:
  • Practice mindfulness. Be self-aware of your thoughts and feelings.
  • Plan how to cope, ahead of time. Prepare yourself to emotionally handle specific experiences you may encounter. Think ahead about how to respond to triggering situations. For example, think about how you will respond to receiving a bad grade, or missing your community at home.
  • Have the necessary tools. Have a toolbox of strategies and things (favorite books, Bible verses, song playlist, inspirational quotes, photos from home, collections of silly jokes or gifs) that will bring comfort when you are feeling highly emotional or overwhelmed.

What Can I Expect to Experience at College?

When you first arrive at college, you will feel like you are on an emotional roller coaster. The emotions you feel are okay...they are completely normal. Here are some of the more common ones to expect during your first year:
  • Nervousness: You may find yourself never wanting to crawl out of bed in the morning because you have no idea what the day is going to bring you. With a new environment, new people, and new classes, you're bound to be nervous at some point.
  • Stress/Anxiety: From the endless amount of homework to getting used to your new class schedule to your professors sometimes making zero sense, stress is going to be a major emotion at college. But it's normal. Relieve your stress by sitting back, taking deep breaths, and taking a break from your homework. Don't push yourself. Know your limits.
  • Loneliness: Your first few weeks may seem easy because you haven't been away from home too long yet, but after about a month, you may get a little sad. The adjustment has taken place. You realize you miss your family, your own bed, and your friends from home.
  • Happiness: Once you finally settle into school and get the hang of things, you'll rediscover happiness. With the environment at your school and the amazing group of friends you have, you'll find out why leaving college for breaks can be so difficult.
  • Confidence: After the first couple weeks of classes roll by, you'll be feeling confident in completing your work, managing good grades, and balancing work and a social life.
  • Eagerness/anticipation: Although you probably went through feeling lonely, anxious, and stressed, you're extremely eager to see what's in store for you while you conquer your time at college.

How Can I Cope with Stress and Anxiety in College?

Stress and anxiety are a part of life, but you might experience a new level of stress and anxiety during your first year in college. In high school, we are surrounded by family and friends that support us through difficult times. But if you attend a university away from home or if your friends go to different universities, it can be difficult to cope with stress on your own. Here are a few tips on how to cope with stress while away at college.
  • Surround yourself with a new support group. In college, you will have the opportunity to meet a lot of new people. You can connect with roommates or form small study groups with other students in your class. You can connect with small groups that support a cause you are passionate about or small groups that do Bible studies on campus. You can also connect with a local church and find a group that best fits you! The important part is to find a few people that you can count on for support, love, and encouragement.
  • Be prepared for classes. One type of anxiety that many new college students feel is test anxiety. The best way to cope with test anxiety is to be prepared. Do not cram the night before but study over a period of time. Preparation is key to feeling confident in class and other situations. For additional strategies, check out 10 Ways to Overcome Test Anxiety.
  • Attend counseling. If you are feeling extreme anxiety and distress, or if you have experienced a major trauma, check with your college for counseling programs. Most universities and community colleges offer free student support services and counseling. Seeking counseling is necessary when experiencing a crisis or extreme emotions that leave you feeling hopeless. For signs of distress or steps you should take when helping a friend in distress, read Distress: Helping a Friend.

Looking to the Future

Although you will experience new emotions and concerns during your first year, college is a wonderful season of life. You will meet new people, become more independent, and pursue your passions and dreams. Enjoy the moments and don’t let them pass too quickly!
College can be tough but it's easier to overcome any challenges when we are connected to a supportive and loving community. For more info on our 18-22 year old group (no college required to join!) contact Crystal Johnson at [email protected] or check out our Young Adults page.
 


Share This:

Recent Stories

Swipe to Discover more

The Easter Bunny: What's the History Behind This Tradition?

Mar 24, 2023

How did an egg-toting bunny become such a big part of our Easter traditions? We've got some answers from history, right here.


How I Forgave Myself After My Divorce

Mar 22, 2023

Divorce can often be painful and difficult. Read one woman's story about her journey toward healing and forgiveness after the end of her marriage, here.


5 Ways To Be a Good Neighbor at Easter

Mar 19, 2023

Easter's coming up, and creative opportunities to be a good neighbor are everywhere! We’ve got five fun ideas to spread some joy and celebrate the season, here:


10 Interesting Facts About Jesus That Might Surprise You

Mar 17, 2023

Jesus Christ is one of the most controversial figures in history. When you look at his life, there are some interesting facts about Jesus that are truly surprising.


Easter Eggs: What Is the History Behind This Tradition?

Mar 14, 2023

Ever wonder what eggs have to do with Easter? We've done some research, and the answer behind this common tradition lies in the roots of early Christianity. Read more, here:


Fun and Family-Friendly Easter Events Around DFW for 2023

Mar 10, 2023

It's Easter season! We've got a round-up of some of the most fun, family-friendly events and activities around DFW for 2023.


5 Fun Things Your Family Can Do To Welcome Spring (and Prep for Easter)

Mar 06, 2023

Got some extra time on your hands? From crafts and edibles to enjoying the outdoors, we've got 5 fun, family-friendly things you can do to welcome spring and help prepare for Easter.


The Uniqueness and Value of Women

Mar 05, 2023

How do we affirm and uphold the worth of a woman in our world today, in light of common stereotypes? The answer starts with learning about God's view and value for women.


7 Ways You Can Celebrate Women’s History Month

Mar 01, 2023

March is Women’s History Month. How can we honor the success and contributions of women, past and present? Look below for seven ways to celebrate the month.


Seven Women To Celebrate During Women's History Month

Mar 01, 2023

Women's History Month is a perfect time to recognize and celebrate women who have made a difference in our world.