Key Support Systems to be College Ready
Transitioning from under your caretaker’s roof to your own abode as a college freshman can be exciting and overwhelming. It is important to get ahead of the anxiety by building a support system to ease the transition.
I can still remember my college orientation. Two days filled with new people, new buildings, new routines…new everything! I remember feeling overwhelmed as I attempted to organize where I needed to be and when. The college did a great job providing on-campus aids and services, but when I found myself dehydrated one evening (I am sure it was a virus, not an adapting college freshmen <wink>) I did not have the familiar medical support I once had back home. Finding an urgent care and filling out paperwork when you are ill is miserable. I do not recommend it! Do yourself a favor and follow my tips below to get a solid support system built in your new city.
Professional Support
Medical Professionals - Once you understand your insurance benefits, finding a primary care physician, dentist, dermatologist, and any other doctors you may regularly see is important to help navigate emergencies. You can call each doctor or dentist’s office and set yourself up as a new patient so that you can be seen quickly if/when needed (and trust me, you will need it at some point! Don’t ask me about the time I chipped my tooth at midnight!)
Financial Support - Some universities include advisors to help with budgets and financial aid. However, most budgeting can easily be managed by free apps such as intuit Mint and Rocket Money. Do you have a bank account? Ensure you know the closest bank to your dorm or apartment.
Mental Health Specialists - Most universities have mental health counselors available to students. Understanding where this office is and how to make an appointment is key for when you are feeling a shift in your mental health and decide to speak with someone about it. If you need more than your school has to offer, finding the right fit is easy using psychologytoday.com’s search options. There are also new online counseling services such as Better Help and Talkiatry.
2. Local Services and Network
Find recommended, local self-care services to keep you looking great.You will need a hair cut eventually, although the college shag does happen. Locate an older student who has similar hair or needs and ask for recommendations. This is a great reason to strike up conversation with other students or even plan a day off-campus to hang out!
Get to know the transit system. Even if you do not see yourself traveling far from the university, getting to know the city or town is important for unseen situations. Are there transit passes you may need? Exploring and driving, or riding, around the city without time constraints is the best way to get to know the area.
Build a friendship with a local family or individual. Being far from family and friends may get lonely. Moving to a larger city can be intimidating. Sometimes a home-cooked meal or a drink with a native can fill that void. Do you have an aunt who lives nearby? Is there a family friend who works a corporate job downtown? Even if you have never met them before, reach out and budget time to get to know them. You may need to be brave and reach out first. Who knows, they may end up a mentor, a friend, or even just a connection into a job after college. Learning from those who have “been there, done that” helps us to cope with the changes at hand.
3. Faculty and Staff Support
Student Affairs/Student Life. There are a few ways to set yourself up for success during your first year of school. Social and emotional wellbeing options can be found under the umbrella of Student Affairs, or Student Life. Within student affairs you can find resources for mental health counseling, diversity, equity and inclusion groups, and sustainability programs. If there is a community group or program that interest you, visit Student Affairs and ask questions. It takes extra work to get involved with the community, but it is a worthy cause for your own mental health, as well as for job opportunities down the line.
Learning Programs. If you realize you need a little extra help or accommodations academically, universities typically have lots of avenues for help. For example, Colorado State University has learning programs to boost your study skills under the umbrella of Academic Affairs. Finally, use your college advisors! They are there to help. If you feel you do not have a great relationship with your appointed advisor, see if you can switch to one that understands your situation. The university wants you to succeed, so ask for help!
Safety. Safety of the students is a crucial initiative with all colleges and universities. Get to know these initiatives in case you feel unsafe or have been mistreated. Find and save the contact person for safety concerns (school security, office of affairs, etc.) on your phone so that if you are ever in need of immediate help, you are not flustered and can act immediately. Always reach out to the appropriate office to find out who needs to be involved in fixing the issue or making corrections. Voicing concerns is how change is made!
Building a community quickly is key to making your new life feel more like home. Understanding all that is available is the first step in building community. It is up to you to find the energy and time to make the effort! Be bold, break through social nerves, and ask for help.
