By Julien Bernard, Staff Writer
You’ve just unpacked the last box in your dorm room. You sit on your bed, scroll through your phone, and your digital calendar indicates four classes highlighted for the upcoming week. You look toward the empty fridge in the corner that needs filled, and there is still the roommate you’ve never met and have to share the room with for an entire year. You’re excited—but also overwhelmed.
For many freshmen, college is a thrilling yet jarring transition filled with unknowns. New experiences come with new challenges, requiring students to juggle academics, social activities, and personal pressures, sometimes leading to feelings of being overwhelmed or hopeless. That’s why taking care of your mental health from day one is essential. Prioritizing mental health is crucial to making the most of this period and ensuring a healthy and productive college journey.
One of the primary causes of stress for freshmen is the personal responsibility related to independent time management. No one is there to hold you accountable for how you spend your time or to prompt you when you lose focus or get off track. You may also feel the pressure to succeed and the fear of not doing well, which may be a new perspective for you being away from the comfort and familiarity of home.
“Planning ahead is one thing that really helps,” explains Emma Manley, assistant director of Saint Leo University Counseling Services. “Try to gather as much information as you can about where you are going to live, what your classes are, and what groups are available for freshmen to join. All those things help to diminish the initial anxiety.”
Tyra McFadden, post-secondary school counselor, encourages high school students to embrace the transition to college with patience: “Expect a period of adjustment. Going into this new period of life with the expectation of a learning curve will make the bumps in the road less jarring. Create a routine to build your new life as a college student around.”
While planning and routines can help create stability, emotional well-being also depends on meaningful human connection. Socializing and building connections with new friends can provide you with emotional support and help ease feelings of isolation, as being around those who uplift and motivate you can have a significant positive impact on your mental well-being. You can build your community based upon your interests, such as Saint Leo clubs, sports, the wellness center, movie/game night, book clubs, and other campus events. This will help you relax, share experiences, and build a support network.
“It’s normal to feel a little stressed during the first months, but then it should diminish once the freshman feels comfortable with the new schedule and the new routine,” said Manley.
To ease this transition and maintain balance, McFadden recommends building in time for both structure and self-care.
“Create a structure for daily living incorporating school responsibilities that makes time for planned down/free time to relax and de-stress,” said McFadden. “Establish your go-to support to help you cope when you feel alone.”
Setting and achieving goals provides you with a vital sense of purpose and structure, which helps you stay focused and motivated. Even achieving small goals can boost confidence and a sense of accomplishment. During times when college life feels overwhelming, focusing on a goal can provide a positive direction and help you regain a sense of control. Setting goals allows you to break down larger tasks into manageable steps, making the overall college journey feel less daunting and more achievable.
“Setting new patterns at this pivotal time sets your course into a new chapter of adulthood,” advised McFadden. “You get to decide where you want to be over each semester and finally that eager professional with a degree in hand on graduation day.”
As students begin to shape their college routines and long-term goals, tapping into the support systems available on campus can make the journey smoother and more fulfilling.
“One advice I can give for freshmen is definitely to take advantage of all the support services we have at Saint Leo. That’s something that will help them a lot,” recommended Manley. “There is a whole list of resources we have from the health clinic, counseling services, and university ministries.”
For Erin Romano, a senior majoring in English, understanding that her professors were also valuable resources was something she wishes she had known as a freshman.
“I wish I knew that my professors were there to help me,” reflected Romano. “I understand that a professor can only help where help is wanted. Professors can’t read their students’ minds, but they can visually see the struggle.”
Starting college can feel like stepping into the unknown—but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Build a routine that includes both work and rest, reach out to people who make you feel supported, and don’t be afraid to use the resources Saint Leo offers. Your mental health matters—and the sooner you start taking care of it, the stronger and more confident you’ll feel throughout your college journey.
