While you may have been preparing to come to campus all summer, getting here may still require an adjustment period. This semester may be your first time away from your family, living with a roommate or taking a college-level course. With each new semester comes a lot of change. We鈥檙e here to help.
Tips for starting off strong
It can be challenging to manage many changes all at once, and the process looks different for everyone. These tips can help make the transition smoother:
-
Develop a routine: Consistency can help you manage change. Set yourself up for a great semester by setting a daily bedtime and wake up time. Find a spot to take a break between classes and a regular route to get there.
-
Get organized: Review the syllabus for each of your classes, and make note of important dates and deadlines in your planner or calendar to keep track of assignments.
-
Stay in touch: Having people you can talk to and a community to support you can help during transitional periods. If you are feeling uncertain or overwhelmed by change, reach out to a friend or loved one and talk it out.
-
Prioritize your physical and mental health: Get the recommended amount of sleep (7-9 hours per night), eat balanced meals regularly, stay active and take time to relax. All of these habits can help your mind and body feel better during times of change.
-
Find your community: Freshman year is a great time to get involved! It can help you find new connections with students who have similar interests and provide a sense of belonging on campus. The has more than 500 student groups with a wide variety of interests and the offers fitness classes and intramural and sports club teams that are great ways to get involved.
Getting used to changes in our lives can take time, and everyone is different when it comes to adjusting to change. If at any point it feels like too much, offers workshops, groups and counseling resources to support students.
Healthy Buffs is a weekly series with tips and information on a variety of health topics important to college students. Learn more at colorado.edu/health.
