Transitioning from High School to College
The transition from high school to college is an exciting and challenging time in the life of a young adult. For many, it is their first time away from home, leading to a new-found sense of freedom and responsibility from life at home with family.
College students have more free time in their schedule than they may have ever had before in their lives. Students spend on average between 12 and 16 hours per week in class, compared to the full time class schedule of high school. Assignments are more infrequent, with many classes having only 2-4 major assignments per semester.
Students entering college for the first time are dropped into a completely new social environment. There is the absence of friends from high school, but plenty of new people to meet. Rather than living with family, many college students begin to live in a dorm, with roommates and other peers around them all the time. Instead of a home cooked meal, students often get by with the fare at the dining hall. And social life can take a whole new turn, with lower levels of supervision allowing for parties that many students may never have been to before.
For many students, these changes are welcomed and embraced. It’s the first time for a young person to have agency and control over a life that is separate and unknown to their families. New friends and new types of parties are fun and affirming. Just like in the movies, college is an exciting and liberating experience.
However, all of these changes can be overwhelming and many students struggle to cope. Up to 44% of college students have reported having symptoms of depression and anxiety. The source of these mental health issues can be a complex combination of factors. All of the changes that come with transitioning to college can act as a trigger for underlying mental health problems, making it a challenging time of life for many youth.
Expansive amounts of free time can leave those who thrive on structure struggling to find their routine. Social anxiety can get in the way of creating new connections in an unfamiliar environment. Conflict with roommates can make it that even the safe haven of a dorm room is a source of strife. Exposure to parties and substances can lead to overuse and dependence. Separation from family leaves students feeling separated from their support system.
One of the best ways to address these problems is to anticipate them. Rather than waiting until a student is struggling, prepare them for what the college experience might look like and thoughtfully consider what aspects of the transition might be challenging. At Collaborative Minds Psychotherapy LLC, we offer individual and group therapy specifically for college students to provide support and ensure that students have the tools they need to master this transition. Feel free to reach out to us to schedule a consultation with one of our therapists to talk more about your teen’s transition into college and learn about what support we can provide you.
Check out HelpGuide.org’s What to Expect When Calling a Helpline resource that covers:
Helpline options and how to choose
What to expect when calling a helpline
Common concerns that keep people from calling
When to seek other mental health resources
