Congratulations!
Y
ou graduated high school and now it is time to FINALLY move out and start a life of your own. You get to move to college and make new friends in a new environment. You’re a young adult and you can be anyone you want to be. College is a chance to reinvent yourself. Throw out all the high school judgments and limitations. You are getting ready for a brand new start.
ou graduated high school and now it is time to FINALLY move out and start a life of your own. You get to move to college and make new friends in a new environment. You’re a young adult and you can be anyone you want to be. College is a chance to reinvent yourself. Throw out all the high school judgments and limitations. You are getting ready for a brand new start.Transitioning to college is meant to be an exciting time. It is a liberating experience like no other. You get to move out and finally work towards being the person you’ve always dreamed of. But, transitioning to this new life on your own can come with a few bumps in the road.
Now, don’t get me wrong, this is still going to be a great time. But sometimes we get so excited about this new life, we forget about some of the things that are changing. A lot of what you used to rely on is changing or gone. So, it is up to you to figure it all out.
As a young adult therapist, I want to help make this transition easier for you. So, I have a few tips…
Find Your Group
Before moving into college, take some time to think about who you want to be and what you value as a person. Think about your long-term goals and where you want to end up. Consider what your favorite hobbies are, what new things you’d like to explore, and what you want to learn. Keep that focus with you so that you don’t lose sight of who you are and who you want to be when you arrive.
Explore different groups and clubs the first few weeks with your goals in mind. Find a group of people who relate to you and have your back. College is a diverse place full of interesting and unique opportunities. Sometimes, you might seek what seems “coolest.” But, it can leave you feeling lost or confused when things aren’t what they seem. While these feelings are a normal part of growing up, they are still a bit unsettling. As a result, they can be difficult to deal with when they arise. Finding a group of people who support and understand you can help prevent feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Set Boundaries and Stick to a Schedule
Trust me on this one- it is much easier to start with a routine and tweak it, rather than to try to build one later. To prevent anxiety about getting to class on time, completing homework, and overworking, you need to set a schedule. In high school, the routines were often set for you, and the structure was already established. At college, time frames are different. Homework can take longer, and the only person that can establish that routine is you. It is possible, and it is very helpful down the road.Know when to say no to things as well. Setting boundaries straight out the gate is much easier. It allows you to stick to your schedule and not overwhelm yourself. You are about to experience so many new things. So, explore what you can, but try to recognize when you are overdoing it.
Establish Self Care Routines
Doing everything on your own is stressful. You might not have your family’s direct support and help like you used to. Now you have to do your own laundry, pay your own bills, get groceries, and still socialize and be a good student. That is a lot! Figure out what you like to do for self-care and be intentional about practicing it at college. You may love golfing on the weekends, taking a bubble bath, or reading a good book to relax. No matter what it is, make sure to make time for it at college. Things are going to change, and they are going to change fast. You’re going to have times where it feels like there is way too much to do. Don’t let your mental health slip. Make time for the things you love most and take care of your mental health.
Reach Out
Remember, even though you are ready for this newfound independence, that it is okay to still need help. There is nothing wrong with reaching out for young adult therapy. This life change is HUGE. You’re not meant to deep dive into adulting and do it all alone. Your family and friends are still here for you and willing to help. Further, your professors, hall directors, and campus staff are willing to help. Everyone around you cares and wants to help you succeed. If you start to feel lost, overwhelmed, or just unsure about things, remember that it is okay to reach out. Online therapy now allows you the chance to get help from the privacy of your dorm room. You don’t have to travel or make your friends wonder why you’re gone. You can get the help you need to get through. We are here for you.
Remember, transitioning to college is a fun time. Enjoy it!! Remember to take care of yourself and your needs in the meantime. You’ve got this.
Start Working with A Young Adult Therapist in Roswell, GA
Support comes in many forms, and our caring therapists would be happy to stand alongside you throughout college. Our team provides support from our Atlanta, GA-based therapy practice. We will be with you every step of the way. To start your therapy journey, please follow these steps:
- Contact Wellview Counseling
- Meet with a caring young adult therapist
- Start young adult therapy, and enjoy your college experience
Other Services Offered at Wellview Counseling
Young adult therapy isn’t the only service we provide at our Atlanta, GA-based counseling practice. We also offer anxiety treatment, PTSD and trauma treatment, chronic illness counseling, and therapy for postpartum anxiety and depression. Other services include play therapy, child counseling, family therapy, individual counseling, social skills groups for kids, young adult support groups, and parent education classes. We understand it can be hard to make it in person, so we also offer services via online therapy in Georgia. Contact our Atlanta area mental health clinic to learn more today!