Adjusting to college check in

Your freshman year of college is, for many people, one of the most drastic life transitions you have experienced up to this point. It may be your first time without your parents there to be constantly checking in and reminding you to eat or shower. It can be a whirlwind of change, new routines, new friends, new location, new classes, and new choices that can at times be so overwhelming you forget to check in with yourself and really ask: how am I doing?

If this is you (or your child, sibling, friend, etc.), find some free time, and maybe a friend or journal and let’s do a self check in!

Physical

Our physical health plays a huge role in our wellbeing, and sometimes we take it for granted.

• How has your body been nourished by food and drink?
• Have you had meals and snacks?
• Are you drinking water?
• What kind of movement has felt good for your body? Have you been giving time to that?
• What does sleep look like? Are you giving your body the physical rest it needs?
• Am I experiencing any new physical symptoms (headaches, trouble sleeping, stomach issues, etc.) that could be related to my mental health?

Relational

College can be so difficult relationally. We have family and friends from home, new acquaintances, and the fear that everyone else is making more friends than us while we may be struggling to find our groove.

• Which relationships feel life-giving right now?
• Do I have at least 1-2 friends in my new place that feel safe to me? Do I share with them about how I’m doing?
• Are the people I’m surrounding myself with the kind of people I want to be around?
• What is my connection with family like? Is it what I want it to be?
• Am I balancing time alone versus time with others?

Emotional/Mental

Experiencing more stress, anxiety, or depression symptoms can be so common while starting college or at any big change in life.

• How am I handling stress?
• Which emotions am I feeling in this exact moment? (A feelings wheel would be great here and for the next couple of questions!)
• Which emotions are common for me right now?
• Are there any emotions that used to be familiar to me that aren’t so much anymore?
• Do I feel like I have the skills to handle the difficult feelings that come my way? What about the support system?
• Do I need additional support in this area?

Academic

Attending lectures instead of small classes, figuring out how to connect with professors, and dealing with the insecurity of being around so many people who are so smart and committed to their studies can be intimidating.

• How am I managing my time with regards to my classes, readings, and assignments?
• How am I coping with academic pressures?
• Are there areas where I feel either academically confident or insecure?
• Am I asking for help or support when needed?

This list of questions could go on and on, so if there are more areas where you want to check in with yourself, such as finances or spirituality, ask yourself about those places too. Remember, you are one person with many parts, so if the mental/emotional part of you is not doing well while you thrive academically, or feel like you can’t take care of yourself physically but you have a good handle on your relational health, your whole self matters!

If you need extra help going through these questions, processing them, or realizing you may need some support in any of these areas, a counselor or therapist is a great option. We all need support, especially through big transitions. College campuses all have mental health resources available, and if your school’s don’t fit your needs, we at Simplify Life would love to partner with you. The important thing is that you have the support you need to thrive in this exciting stage of life!