Whether you’re a new student or just returning after summer break, moving onto a college campus is a big deal. While the idea of living outside of your parents’ house, making new friends, and diving into your major is exciting, it also marks a significant life transition that can bring stress and uncertainty.
“People are transitioning from their parents’ home into a university setting, and often this transition is marked by exploration of new ideas, challenges, and even their own identity,” explains Torrence Wimbish, PhD, CMHC, program manager of the Mental Health First Responders Program (MH1) at the University of Utah. “So when they’re coming into a new environment with the weight of all these changes, it can feel really overwhelming.”
But how can you tell the difference between normal stress and something more serious? And how do you cope when you’re away from your usual support system? As you pack your bags for a new semester, remember these tools and tips to help you keep tabs on your mental health so you can thrive in college.