The transition from high school to college is nothing short of difficult, but a factor that often gets overlooked in the process is our mental health. This is typically outweighed by other concerns, such as cost or academics. However, the way we feel and being able to effectively manage how we handle the new situations that come our way at college is just as crucial. From 2013 to 2018, health care professionals reported that they saw an 86 percent increase in anxiety and stress among teens and young adults. Additionally, only around 17 percent of parents consider mental health resources when helping their children pick a college. There are ways to combat the rising stress of the new environments and tasks approaching. It’s not out of our control— it’s possible to make a plan.

Before you even arrive, a good thing to look into is the mental health resources on your campus. Different colleges offer different sorts of services, support, therapies, and so forth, and it’s important to know what you’ll have access to, whether you’ll be away from home or not. Information about these resources can be sought out at orientation, through your admissions counselor, or research online, to name a few. Be able to keep in touch with trusted adults at home and be prepared to connect with new people on campus. Mental preparation for the transition, in general, shouldn’t be taken lightly. Sam Lloyd, a Pennridge senior this year, has already been constructing their support system for the fall. In their new setting, they want to “Establish me as my own person,” while also planning to create connections with professors and other students on campus. Academic and emotional preparation can go hand in hand, they say, and “The mental preparation is more than half the battle.” Knowing yourself and your limitations is crucial to developing a method that works for you. 

In college, the workload will increase. A lot of free time opens up, and the shift in schedule has the tendency for students to wonder what to do with their time in the beginning. Corey Renz, a Pennridge alumnus, noted that he “had to develop better time management skills than I had,” and it was a sure adjustment from the work he was assigned in high school. Falling behind on your work can quickly become overwhelming. Finding an appropriate balance between work and relaxation will be the most beneficial in the end. When studying, try to hone in on key concepts, and be able to think critically about the material rather than just being able to memorize it. When relaxing, do what you need to do to decompress. Practice relaxation techniques, for it, ’ll help you maintain a sense of balance in your mind. Renz described that he’s been stressed by his work before, but he practices positivity. Having a healthy mindset when approaching his assignments has been key. He’s able to tell himself, “I can get through this,” and he maintains the will to do well in order to achieve success. 

One of the most important things to keep in mind during this process is the fact that you’re not alone. The 2020 to 2021 school year was hectic, but we all adapted, and we achieved great things. Give yourself a pat on the back and give yourself some time to relax. You’ve definitely earned it. Practice self-care during these summer months, respect yourself and others and work towards being the best person you can possibly be. Check your resources and keep in touch with others. Good luck!