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How can you improve your mental health when you're going to college far away from your support system/home?

I live three hours away from the college I am going to attend in the Fall. I do not have a car so I cannot just drive back home if I am feeling depressed or have one of my panic attacks. I need help finding ways to cope with my mental health especially because I am going to be far away from home.

college spring25 college-advice help mental-health newyork
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Paul’s Answer

Attending college away from home can sometimes be a very daunting experience, especially for people who are going to be away from home for an extended period of time. Attending college away definitely requires balancing your newfound independence with common sense values, to assist you in surviving the experience.

I always recommend prioritizing exploring your campus environment, creating a familiar living space, and campus activities like joining clubs to meet people, while also setting healthy communication boundaries with family to manage your homesickness. Transition do take time so attempt to be patient with the transition, manage your resources and money, and keep an open mindset to new experiences.

Here are some of the things that I recommend:

Explore Early: Not only go on a campus tour (which can be arranged online), but also walk around campus and your new college town to find study spots, coffee shops, and regional parks.
Get Involved: Join student life organizations like campus clubs and organizations to find friends with shared interests.
Don't Go Home Too Soon: Avoid returning home every weekend; it can hinder your ability to build lasting connections.
Be Open-Minded: Embrace new perspectives, other countries and cultures, and people, and consider taking classes outside your major (utilize your electives part of your college degree).

Create a safe and comfortable space: Decorate your dorm with pictures, posters, and familiar items to make it a comforting refuge.
Master Life Skills: Practice doing your own laundry, cleaning, cooking, and doing minor repairs.
Respect Your Roommates: Set clear expectations early regarding cleaning, visitors, and noise.

Manage Homesickness: It is normal to miss being at home, but avoid over-communicating with relatives and others at home. Schedule regular, but not daily, check-ins.
Be Patient: Transitioning into new environments takes time, so be patient with your adjustment.
Stay Healthy (take care of yourself): Find the campus health services, physical education, intramural and activity centers, and find a local doctor if necessary (in case of an emergency).

Budget Your Resources and Money Wisely: Create a budget and understand how to manage your own bank account and financial resources.
Get Organized: Keep important documents (identification, like drivers license, insurance cards, social security number) secure and accessible.
Use Resources: Don't hesitate to use campus support groups, tutoring centers, libraries, or counseling for academic anxiety or stress.
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Kate’s Answer

Here are some ways I can think of(some of those are my personal experience when I first studied aboard) to support yourself as you transition:
Find a support system on campus: look into counseling services, support groups, or student wellness programs. Most colleges offer free or low-cost mental health support.
Stay connected to home: set regular times to call or video chat with loved ones. Staying in touch can make the distance feel smaller.
Know your signs: learn to recognize early signs of anxiety or depression, and have a plan for how to respond (deep breathing, reaching out to a friend or counselor)
Build new friendships slowly, try joining a club or group that aligns with your interests—it can really help to have people nearby who “get” you.
You’re not expected to figure it all out at once, and it’s okay to ask for help. You’re already taking the first step by talking about it.
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Anwar’s Answer

Moving away from home is a big step, and it's perfectly normal to miss everyone back home—it can feel really tough at first. But hang in there! As time goes on, things usually get easier, and you'll start making new friends and connections who will become your support system here. Make sure to keep chatting with your family and friends through calls and social media—they're still your people! Joining clubs or groups on campus is a great way to meet new folks. And if you ever feel overwhelmed, don't hesitate to reach out to the counseling or peer support on campus; they're there to help. Try to get into a good daily routine with classes, studying, meals, and some chill time, and definitely get enough sleep—that makes a big difference. Taking care of yourself by exercising, eating well, and finding ways to relax, like maybe trying some deep breaths, will help you feel better. Get involved in your hobbies and check out campus events—it's a great way to stay connected and have fun. Seriously, if you're feeling down, talking to someone at the counseling center or even a therapist is a really good idea. Set some goals for your studies and personal life that feel doable, and remember to be kind to yourself—it's okay to have tough days, and it's awesome to celebrate even the little wins!
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Jennifer’s Answer

Have you heard the saying "it takes a village"? Make the most of that idea. Remember, you're not alone, and many students feel just like you do. Feeling scared or anxious is normal. When you start to feel this way, think about what makes you happy. Take care of yourself and join clubs or groups that let you do things you love. This will help you feel like you belong. Most schools have counseling services, so don't hesitate to ask for their help or talk to your RA. Plan events or visits with friends and family using a calendar. Looking forward to these connections can keep you grounded, knowing you'll be with them soon. Start a journal to write down your feelings and celebrate small victories. Focus on the present and remember why you chose to go to college.
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Ce’s Answer

Hi Marissa, Moving away from home for college can be tough, but it's also a chance to make new friends and connections! Start by checking out the school's counseling services. Most colleges offer free one-on-one sessions or group workshops. Sign up with your info so you can book an appointment anytime. Also, try joining clubs or study groups early on to meet new people. Even having a coffee with your roommate can help you feel less lonely. Remember, getting used to things takes time, and feeling down sometimes is normal. You're already taking steps for your future, and that's really brave!
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Luning’s Answer

I'd suggest you try to find some hobbies/careers that could really connect you with other enthusiastics, rather than just broadly making friends which might not last long. When I was in college, I used to be interested in hiking and walking around, and I found a club that host these kinds of activities regularly. By participating in those activities I met a lot of people that share similar interests with me, we would have limitless things to talk about and have so many shared memories. In this way I could feel like at home.
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