Heading Off to College? What Every First-Year Student Should Know

The first few whirlwind days of Erys Allemann's new life at Bryn Mawr College packed in so much activity, excitement and anxiety they barely had time to think.

Setting up their room. Meeting dozens of new people. Searching for a new routine. Navigating mealtimes in the dining hall. Overcoming the dread of communal bathrooms.

Then at night, the homesickness crept in.

"I'd get to my room, and all my thoughts would come back," said Allemann, who moved across the country from Seattle to Pennsylvania. "I'd be like, 'Oh my gosh, this is your life now.'"

Like many first-year students, Allemann found the transition to college challenging. But a couple years later, they have an idea of what most people would have wanted to know beforehand.

Here's a quick list of tips to help you adapt.

Know that if it's tough, it will get better

The first couple weeks are the hardest. Yes, it's exciting to meet so many new people, but it's also exhausting, scary and socially draining, Allemann said.

Even though Allemann's logical side of the brain knew they had the skills to meet the challenge, their "monkey brain" competed with its running inner monologue of self-doubt. But by week six, things seemed better.

It might help to remind yourself that every other person there is in the same position, and you're all in this together.

Set up a new routine from Day One (or Two)

In contrast to high school, where everyone tells you what to do and when, college demands some self-control and setting your own schedule.

Allemann said that at first, it felt like they had lots of free time. "Then I started to realize, 'Oh, I was supposed to be doing something in that free time.'"

One major help was establishing healthy habits early. They began by setting a daily wake-up time, making their bed, and then having coffee. That helped set the stage for a productive day.

Make yourself comfortable in your new space, and stay organized

Creating a homey, comfortable environment in your new room helps with adjustment — which is a benefit on its own — but being organized also has documented mental-health and productivity benefits.

Research shows that clutter is associated with higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which can contribute to anxiety and depression. Some studies suggest that a messy environment can even contribute to overeating.

On the flip side, order has been shown to promote healthy choices and generosity.

Schedule regular check-ins with yourself

As in the rest of life, self-care is critical. Try to get enough sleep. Get outside and be active. Don't only eat junk food. Prioritize quiet "me" time.

That's easier said than done while experiencing all the good and bad stress that comes with leaving home. What is easier to do is set a regular reminder to check in with yourself.

Ask yourself: How do I feel? What do I need? Am I being kind to myself? What can I do to make myself feel better?

The more self-knowledge you have, the more likely you'll succeed. And be aware that not all coping mechanisms are helpful. You probably have some great ways of taking care of yourself, and some that are not as healthy. Start small with adjusting to what serves you best.

"Changing our behaviors takes time and energy," Nicole said. "Sometimes, focusing on one small change feels less overwhelming, making it easier to achieve. Then, little by little, we can create the lives we want."

Put yourself out there, and say yes to events

Even if they seem cheesy, Allemann suggested going to those ice-breaker events on campus to make bracelets or play bingo or do arts and crafts.

"I wish I'd known early in the year those events are about making friends, not about getting a bracelet," Allemann said.

Then, the key is to follow up, starting by getting someone's social media at the event. Because campuses are often quite big, you might not run into that person by chance again.

"If you liked someone's vibe, you have to say, 'Okay, let's go get food at the dining hall sometime, or let's actually meet up.'"

Be OK with asking for help

College campuses are repositories of resources — that you're paying for whether you use them or not. So use them.

University classes by design are harder than high school, so don't feel bad if you're struggling academically. Speak with your professor or get a tutor. "Getting a tutor does not make you look dumb," says Thomas Frank, founder of College Info Geek. "Not getting one when you need help does."

Nearly every campus also has free mental health resources if you need to talk to someone. And don't forget all the people in your previous life who know you better than anyone. Don't be afraid to reach out.

Most importantly, remember that this is an amazing time of life. Do your best and embrace this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to grow.