Now that summer break is officially underway, recent graduates are thinking not only about the college they will attend in the fall but also about dorm room decor, roommate choices, and first-year orientation. While these all matter, what’s most important is planning for one of the biggest social and emotional shifts of your life.
College is often portrayed as the best four years of your life, but in reality, it will be filled with challenges. You will experience excitement, freedom, and new opportunities, but also homesickness, loneliness, stress, and uncertainty. Many college mental health professionals note that loneliness and homesickness often peak between four and six weeks, after the excitement of move-in wears off. They remind students that feeling uncomfortable, questioning your choice, or missing home does not mean you made a mistake. It means you’re adjusting.
Socially, nearly every incoming freshman worries about making friends and liking their roommate. Students often arrive on campus believing everyone else has already found their people. They haven’t! Experienced upperclassmen suggest building friendships by leaving your dorm room door open to encourage others to stop in, introducing yourself to classmates, attending club fairs, and joining organizations. Stay open-minded and resist the urge to lock yourself into a friend group out of fear of being alone. Real friendships take time.
One of the biggest adjustments is learning how to take care of yourself. In college, nobody is monitoring whether you go to class, get enough sleep, exercise, or eat balanced meals. Research shows that nutritious meals, consistent sleep, and physical activity are among the most powerful tools for managing stress, anxiety, and academic pressure. These self-care habits are intrinsically connected to your academic success.
Walking into the dining hall alone, or not having anyone to sit with, is a common worry that can feel overwhelming and induce anxiety. The advice from students who have been there? Invite someone in your dorm or class to eat with you. Also, learning to occasionally eat alone builds confidence and resilience. It’s helpful to remember that every first-year student is adjusting to situations like this, even if they don’t appear to be.
Academically, many high-achieving students experience their first disappointing grades during their freshman year. A difficult class or bad grade does not mean you don’t belong. College often requires new study habits, better time management, and greater self-discipline. Attend class, use your professors’ office hours, visit tutoring and writing centers before you need them, and don’t wait until you’re struggling to ask for help.
For students with an IEP or 504 Plan, accommodations do not automatically transfer to college. Students must register with their college’s disability services office, provide documentation, and advocate for themselves. Experts recommend starting this process early, during the summer before classes begin.
Mental health planning is equally important. Before arriving on campus, visit your college website to learn what counseling and wellness services are available and how to access that support. If you see a therapist, find out if they can continue to work with you while you’re away at school. Depending on the severity of a mental health challenge, you may want to alert the college’s health services to your diagnosis, if you have one.
Finally, there are important legal considerations. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) controls academic and on-campus medical records, transferring privacy rights directly to the student — regardless of age. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) governs off-campus health care. Both laws restrict universities and medical providers from sharing sensitive student data with parents or third parties without written consent. Families should discuss health and finance powers of attorney, FERPA waivers, and HIPAA releases before students leave for campus. A good source to learn more and access required forms is www.mamabearlegalforms.com.
Your transition to college is about learning how to manage your health, relationships, responsibilities, and independence. The first few weeks may feel overwhelming but remember: everyone is figuring it out. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Lisa Dominici is executive director of the Rye Youth Council, a nonprofit organization focused on students’ emotional health and well-being.
