Published: June 14, 2021

Transitioning into a new part of your life, such as moving to a new place or attending a new school, can be an exciting opportunity to grow and learn more about yourself. However, it can also come with difficulties in learning to adjust to a new environment. It’s important to know that if you struggle with adapting to these changes, that’s okay! You’re not alone. It’s also important to prioritize self-care to keep yourself happy, healthy, and ready for new experiences. Here’s what we have learned from our own transitions:

Take time to do the things that you enjoy (even if it feels like you’re too busy).

  • While it’s obviously important to do well in your classes, try not to let the pressure from school take too much time away from what makes you happy. Giving yourself a break will help you stay well and avoid burnout. Studies also show that students who practice hobbies that they enjoy do better in school.

Find your community, and the people who can support you.

  • Chances are, you’re leaving your existing support system behind as you transition to CU. Once you arrive on campus, get involved with people who share common interests, goals, and hobbies! Finding a community to support you can make college much easier and more enjoyable.

  • Keep in touch with your current support system as well, if you want to. Make a plan with people important to you about how often you want to connect and catch up. For example, some students have weekly phone calls with their families, or use FaceTime for a movie night with their friends from high school once a month. If that sounds like something you want to do, make a plan to do it!

Don’t be too hard on yourself!

  • Give yourself some grace as you adjust and adapt to your new environment, routine, and responsibilities. It’s not easy for anyone starting a journey like college, and it’s okay if not everything goes as planned.

Campus resources to check out

  • Prioritizing your mental health, especially during the transition to college, is super important. If you find yourself struggling, please know that you're not alone, and there is absolutely no shame in asking for help. CU Boulder has many resources that you can go to, whose goal is to help you with your mental and physical wellbeing. https://www.colorado.edu/orientation/family/health-and-wellness has links to these services and other info, but I'll also give brief descriptions here:
  • Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) offers confidential, on-campus mental health and psychiatric services, such as counseling, wellness workshops, therapy groups, and more. If you need immediate mental health support, you find resources for that, contact CAPS.
  • Medical Services offers a range of services for your health and wellness, with resources such as primary care, sexual and reproductive health, physical therapy, shots and vaccinations, and a pharmacy. For more information contact Medical Services
  • Recreation Services is more than just a gym! While of course you can use the exercise equipment, pools, and courts, Recreation Services offers an ice skating rink, classes and trainings, clubs and intramural sports, injury care, and an outdoor program where you can go on various outdoor trips or rent gear.
  • Health Promotion offers free workshops and programs to support wellness. They also offer Peer Wellness Coaching, where you can work one-on-one to set wellness goals and be connected to resources to help achieve those goals.
  • The Office of Victim Assistance (OVA) offers support, consultation, advocacy, and short term counseling services for those who have experienced a traumatic life event. It is free and confidential. 
  • The Collegiate Recovery Center offers support for those who are in recovery or seeking recovery from substance use and other addictions. They have programs such as peer support groups, sober social events, and educational programs.

All of these resources are here for a reason: to help you! For further support, information, and direction to resources, please feel free to reach out to any of us at the New Student and Family Programs office. The Journey Leaders are students here at CU Boulder who can help you with your transition to college life! Remember to take care of yourself, and welcome to CU!

Sko Buffs!

Hunter and Hailey


haileyHailey is a junior studying Linguistics and French. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her friends, baking, and dancing and singing in the kitchen when no one is watching.

 


hunterHunter is a senior studying Integrative Physiology and Public Health. He plans to earn his Master’s Degree in Public Health and then go on to medical school. Outside of his studies, Hunter likes to hike any of the amazing trails around Boulder, spend time with friends, travel, and relax while watching Netflix.