2 answers
Adriana
Student
Laredo, Texas
4
Questions
Updated
112 views
How to be emotionally and mentally prepared for University?
I'm about to finish my first semeter of Senior year. There's so much to plan ahead regarding scholarships, housing, etc. I'm trying to figure out what I should do for next summer to be fully prepared.
Login to comment
2 answers
Diana Rodriguez Velasquez
Psychologist
54
Answers
Memphis, Tennessee
Updated
Diana’s Answer
Hi Adriana!
First of all, it’s amazing that you’re already thinking ahead — being intentional now will make your transition to university so much easier emotionally and mentally.
Here are some practical steps to prepare yourself over the next few months:
1. Build emotional resilience early
College comes with independence, new routines, and lots of change. Something that helps a lot is practicing small habits like:
• Managing your own schedule
• Waking up and going to sleep consistently
• Doing tasks without reminders
• Taking responsibility for studying, chores, and planning your week
These small steps make the big transition feel natural instead of overwhelming.
2. Strengthen your support system
Before you leave for college, identify:
• 2–3 people you can talk to when you feel stressed
• One adult or mentor you trust (teacher, counselor, coach)
Having support doesn’t eliminate challenges, but it makes you feel grounded.
3. Get comfortable with being outside your comfort zone
College involves meeting new people, joining new environments, and trying things you’ve never done before. Start practicing now by:
• Joining clubs
• Talking to new classmates
• Asking questions
• Trying activities you normally wouldn’t
This builds confidence and reduces anxiety when you start college.
4. Learn basic life skills
These are small but powerful for emotional stability:
• Budgeting
• Meal planning
• Time management
• Using a planner
• Doing laundry and organizing your space
Feeling capable in daily tasks helps reduce stress in college.
5. Take care of your mental health now
You can prepare emotionally by:
• Journaling weekly
• Practicing mindfulness or deep breathing
• Learning how you personally cope with stress
• Setting boundaries with school, family, and friends
The more self-aware you are, the stronger you’ll feel when challenges appear.
6. Plan your summer intentionally
Here are some great things to do before college begins:
• Visit campuses if you can
• Finalize financial aid and scholarship documents early
• Work or volunteer to build confidence and independence
• Organize your documents and life admin tasks
• Rest — you’ll need energy for this new chapter
Summer preparation helps you walk in feeling calmer and more secure.
7. Remember: no one feels “100% ready” — and that’s normal
Most college students adjust within the first few months. What matters is not being perfect, but being willing to learn, ask for help, and grow step by step.
You’re already preparing more than you realize, and that puts you in a great position. If you want, I can help you build a personalized roadmap for the next months to make the transition even smoother.
First of all, it’s amazing that you’re already thinking ahead — being intentional now will make your transition to university so much easier emotionally and mentally.
Here are some practical steps to prepare yourself over the next few months:
1. Build emotional resilience early
College comes with independence, new routines, and lots of change. Something that helps a lot is practicing small habits like:
• Managing your own schedule
• Waking up and going to sleep consistently
• Doing tasks without reminders
• Taking responsibility for studying, chores, and planning your week
These small steps make the big transition feel natural instead of overwhelming.
2. Strengthen your support system
Before you leave for college, identify:
• 2–3 people you can talk to when you feel stressed
• One adult or mentor you trust (teacher, counselor, coach)
Having support doesn’t eliminate challenges, but it makes you feel grounded.
3. Get comfortable with being outside your comfort zone
College involves meeting new people, joining new environments, and trying things you’ve never done before. Start practicing now by:
• Joining clubs
• Talking to new classmates
• Asking questions
• Trying activities you normally wouldn’t
This builds confidence and reduces anxiety when you start college.
4. Learn basic life skills
These are small but powerful for emotional stability:
• Budgeting
• Meal planning
• Time management
• Using a planner
• Doing laundry and organizing your space
Feeling capable in daily tasks helps reduce stress in college.
5. Take care of your mental health now
You can prepare emotionally by:
• Journaling weekly
• Practicing mindfulness or deep breathing
• Learning how you personally cope with stress
• Setting boundaries with school, family, and friends
The more self-aware you are, the stronger you’ll feel when challenges appear.
6. Plan your summer intentionally
Here are some great things to do before college begins:
• Visit campuses if you can
• Finalize financial aid and scholarship documents early
• Work or volunteer to build confidence and independence
• Organize your documents and life admin tasks
• Rest — you’ll need energy for this new chapter
Summer preparation helps you walk in feeling calmer and more secure.
7. Remember: no one feels “100% ready” — and that’s normal
Most college students adjust within the first few months. What matters is not being perfect, but being willing to learn, ask for help, and grow step by step.
You’re already preparing more than you realize, and that puts you in a great position. If you want, I can help you build a personalized roadmap for the next months to make the transition even smoother.
Yasmin Mohamed Alamin
Clinical Nutrition Student
63
Answers
Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
Updated
Yasmin’s Answer
Hi Adriana 👋🏻...
Treat preparing for university like preparing for a long trip: it’s about both planning and mindset.
Get comfortable with uncertainty... High school gives structure, but university gives choices, Practice making small decisions now so handling majors, schedules, and roommates feels easier later.
Build a weekly rhythm... Include study, exercise, hobbies, and rest. A steady routine will keep you grounded when everything else feels fast and new.
Use the summer wisely... Learn life basics like budgeting, managing deadlines, and cooking simple meals, but also give yourself time to recharge.
Focus on adaptability... University isn’t about knowing everything, it’s about staying steady, asking for help, and adjusting when things change. Practicing these habits now makes the transition much smoother and less stressful.
Start small, stay consistent, and give yourself grace, building these habits now will make your first year of college feel manageable, confident, and even exciting.
Treat preparing for university like preparing for a long trip: it’s about both planning and mindset.
Get comfortable with uncertainty... High school gives structure, but university gives choices, Practice making small decisions now so handling majors, schedules, and roommates feels easier later.
Build a weekly rhythm... Include study, exercise, hobbies, and rest. A steady routine will keep you grounded when everything else feels fast and new.
Use the summer wisely... Learn life basics like budgeting, managing deadlines, and cooking simple meals, but also give yourself time to recharge.
Focus on adaptability... University isn’t about knowing everything, it’s about staying steady, asking for help, and adjusting when things change. Practicing these habits now makes the transition much smoother and less stressful.
Start small, stay consistent, and give yourself grace, building these habits now will make your first year of college feel manageable, confident, and even exciting.