College is a transition for everyone; it’s a taste of freedom and a new level of pressure. With the excitement of a new journey come dilemmas we may not know how to handle, such as living in dorms, finding time to study, practicing self-care, and still having a social life. Time management is essential to make space for everything at hand. This could look like blocking out study time on your calendar, engaging with clubs and groups on campus, and protecting your sleep. This also means saying no—setting boundaries to “protect your peace.” Use what your university offers you, such as office hours, counseling, tutoring sessions, and your Resident Assistant (RA). While this may seem obvious, I found it hard to ask for help—and at times even to help myself. I was homesick and often had the urge to quit, but I pushed through and prospered in the following three years of my undergraduate career.
So, here are the tips I want to leave you with: set a routine. Write down what’s already fixed in your schedule—classes, work, meals, and sleep. Then find gaps where you can add self-care and study sessions. What worked for me was creating habits such as reviewing notes right after class, going to the gym after dinner, or studying while waiting for my laundry. Most importantly, when it comes to routine, make sure you sleep! The average amount of sleep for young adults is 7–9 hours per night. Now, studying varies from student to student, but here are some basics from a former college student: set your personal deadlines earlier than the actual due dates. This gives you wiggle room in case of an emergency or illness. As I said before, do not be scared to ask your professors for help—they are there to assist you. If you still don’t understand a concept, watch YouTube videos on the topic; they’re often easier to follow than a textbook and more engaging.
Now, on to the roommate section. If you feel uncomfortable with your roommate situation or something they’re doing is bothering you, SPEAK UP! Ask to set up a roommate agreement (if your RA doesn’t already do one) to figure out which items are shared and which are not, and to find agreeable quiet hours. If you struggle to voice your needs, talk to your RA and let them help you navigate the situation. At the end of the day, your needs matter just as much as your roommate’s.
And the most important piece of advice: take care of your well-being. Expect to miss home from time to time or to feel like you aren’t smart enough to be in college—but counter these thoughts with positive ones, like “I was admitted, so I’m supposed to be here.” Save your university’s counseling, public safety, and health office numbers in your phone. You never know when you might need help—whether you’re sick or just need someone to talk to. Therapy offers a confidential space to process stressors, build coping skills, challenge negative thoughts, and connect with the support you’re looking for.