How to Survive Your First Year of College: A Guide for Students and Parents

A college freshman stands at their dorm window, taking in the unfamiliar view. It’s their first time living away from home, navigating new routines, missing family, and learning to find their place in a brand-new environment.

Starting college is undoubtedly one of the most exhilarating yet nerve-wracking experiences in a young adult's life. The transition from high school to college marks a significant turning point, filled with a whirlwind of emotions ranging from excitement to anxiety. I still vividly recall the first day I stepped onto campus; the atmosphere was filled with anticipation, yet my stomach was in knots, reflecting my mix of eagerness and trepidation. As I navigated the bustling walkways surrounded by other freshmen, each of us equally unsure and hopeful about what lay ahead, I felt both a sense of camaraderie and isolation. Before they left, my mom delivered a heartfelt, albeit somewhat uncomfortable, motivational speech that I will never forget. While her words were meant to inspire confidence, I could sense her nervousness about leaving me to embark on this new chapter alone.

The first year of college represents a significant shift, characterized by newfound independence, academic challenges, and social dynamics that can be overwhelming. For many, it’s a steep learning curve that can lead to feelings of homesickness, stress, and even self-doubt. However, despite these challenges, both parents and students can successfully traverse this transformative time if they adopt the right attitude and employ effective strategies. Parents can help by encouraging their children to embrace the change, reminding them that it’s normal to feel a mix of emotions during this transition.

Ultimately, while the first year of college can be daunting, it is also an incredible opportunity for growth and self-discovery. With the right mindset and resources, both students and their families can navigate this exciting journey together, emerging stronger and more resilient on the other side.

1. Find Your Support System Early

Having a solid support system is critical during such a stressful time. Encourage your child to use campus resources such as academic advisors and mental health services, along with making connections with classmates and joining student clubs to build their support system. According to the American College Health Association, over 60% of college students report feeling overwhelming anxiety at some point in their first year. Having a network of mentors and friends can offer the necessary comfort. ​​However, it may not seem like it at first, but having the right support system can be the difference between thriving and struggling in college. 

2. Establish a Healthy Routine

For first-year students, finding a balance between their studies, social lives, and personal care is key, and can sometimes be difficult. While staying up late studying and going on unexpected outings are inevitable in college, students can still maintain their physical and emotional health by making an effort to stick to a regular sleep pattern, eating nutritious meals, and exercising as much as possible. Additionally, finding the time to simply go outdoors and do activities like biking, surfing, and hiking are great ways for students in San Diego to stay active and relieve stress.

3. Time Management is Key

The challenge of properly managing time arises with newfound independence. It's easy to feel overloaded with school, homework, social life, and extracurricular activities. To remain on top of deadlines, encourage your child to utilize a planner or digital calendar. As a current college student myself, I’ve found that breaking down tasks into smaller, manageable chunks and setting specific goals for each day helps prevent feeling overwhelmed. It’s about taking it one step at a time, and a planner or digital calendar keeps everything organized and in sight.

4. Encourage Open Communication

Your responsibilities as a parent don't stop when your child begins college. Maintaining an open line of communication without being overbearing gives your child a sense of support. Establish a weekly time for a video or phone call instead of checking in every day. So many college students choose to struggle in silence; it's important to let your children know that asking for help is acceptable. 

5. Take Advantage of Campus Counseling Services

Counseling services at many college campuses, including those in San Diego and La Jolla, are often free or offered at low cost. Encourage your child to seek support if they're struggling with social challenges, anxiety, or stress related to school. As a college student myself, I’ve found that taking advantage of these resources early on made a huge difference in managing stress and staying balanced. Reaching out for help is a proactive step toward better mental health and overall well-being.

6. Budgeting and Financial Literacy

College is often the first time that students manage their finances. Develop a budget with your child that accounts for social activities, books, meals, and tuition. A great method for managing this is apps such as Mint or YNAB (You Need a Budget) that can make tracking expenses easier and help you avoid future financial difficulties.

7. Expect Challenges and Growth

College life is full of ups and downs throughout the first year. It involves homesickness, challenging coursework, and unexpected hurdles. However, these difficulties also help your child become more resilient, independent, and confident. Remember that your child's struggles are a sign of growth rather than failure.

Your child will experience a significant transition during their first year of college, regardless of whether they are attending a university in California or another state. By providing support, promoting healthy behaviors, and normalizing the difficulties they might encounter, you can help position them for success. If your child's anxiety or stress starts to get in the way of their ability to attend class, spend time with friends, or take care of their physical health, seeking professional support may be a very helpful next step.

Our San Diego, California-based counseling practice specializes in helping teens and adults who struggle with anxiety. Through counseling, we help kids and young adults overcome the negative thought cycles, the constant comparison game, and worst-case scenarios that accompany the anxious brain. Additionally, we offer other mental health services, primarily for perfectionists, overachievers, or others who don’t feel like they 100% fit in. More specifically, we offer treatment for anxiety/OCD and depression at La Jolla Therapy Center. If you don’t live around San Diego or the commute makes in-person therapy impossible, all of our services are available via online therapy to anyone physically located in California. Therefore, we work with clients from Sacramento to Palo Alto or even Mountain View. You and your family deserve to finally feel less overwhelmed, so let’s get started!