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Starting college is one of the most exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) seasons of your life. You’re adjusting to a new environment, figuring out how to manage your time in college, and learning how to take care of your mental health while living away from home, possibly for the first time.

Bailey Kincer, a clinical mental health counseling student and Graduate Assistant with ��������’ Counseling Center, understands this transition on both a personal and professional level. She’s gaining clinical experience while actively supporting students like you through her role at the Counseling Center. And as a former undergraduate herself, she remembers exactly what it felt like to be in your shoes — from learning how to make friends in college to balancing academics, roommates, and self-care.

In this post, Bailey shares the most common challenges students face during their first year — along with practical, student-centered advice for managing homesickness, building healthy habits, staying organized, and knowing when (and how) to ask for help.

Your First-Year Guide to Shared Living

For many students, sharing a room for the first time can be stressful. Learning how to set healthy roommate boundaries in college (around things like sleep schedules, cleanliness, or social habits) takes communication and compromise. 

Tip from Bailey: “Open communication is essential in this relationship. Set boundaries early and revisit them as needed!”

Example: “Set roommate ground rules for guests, quiet hours, and shared space. You don’t have to agree on everything, but having a plan makes conflict less likely.”

Your First-Year Guide to Managing Homesickness

It’s completely normal to feel homesick during your first few weeks away from home. Missing your support system, your favorite places, or even your old routine can be tough, especially when it seems like everyone else already knows each other.

Tip from Bailey: “Stay connected to loved ones back home while also giving yourself permission to build a new community here. Make consistent, intentional efforts to establish new friendships. But remember, be patient because friendships take time to build.” 

Example: “Schedule regular calls with family, but don’t skip out on joining clubs or student organizations, attending events on campus, and saying yes to new experiences.”

Your First-Year Guide to Time Management

College gives you more freedom than high school, but that also comes with more responsibility. Learning how to manage your time effectively as a college student is key to staying on track academically and personally!

Tip from Bailey: “You’re in charge of when (or if) you wake up for classes and other responsibilities. This can feel very freeing for some, and terrifying for others. My advice is to create a structured plan for your day/week.” 

Example: “Use a planner or digital calendar to map out your class schedule, study sessions, work hours, and downtime.”

Your First-Year Guide to Managing Responsibilities

From doing laundry to managing your own class assignments, college requires you to juggle more than ever before, often without anyone checking in to make sure you’re keeping up. 

Tip from Bailey: “Build a system that works for you and look for resources to help if needed. Remember that mistakes are part of learning and are not signs of failure. If you need help finding balance, talking with a counselor may help!”

Example: “Write to-do lists and prioritize the items from least to most important. Rest and nutrition will be essential, so don’t sacrifice those items. Surround yourself with positive influences.”

Your First-Year Guide to Budgeting

For many students, college is the first time they’re managing their own finances. From paying for textbooks and meals to budgeting for gas or social outings, it can add up fast.

Tip from Bailey: “Learn how to budget money! Get comfortable with budgeting tools early on, even if your budget is small. These are skills you’ll carry with you for the rest of your life.”

Example: “Use a budgeting app to track your expenses, set savings goals, and avoid overspending. Learning how to manage money in college now will benefit you well beyond graduation.”

Your First-Year Guide to Academic Success

College coursework is often more rigorous than high school, and it’s easy to feel discouraged, even if you’ve always been a strong student. That doesn’t mean you’re not smart enough. It just means the expectations and content are different.

Tip from Bailey: “If you find yourself falling behind, remember that you are not the only person struggling. Academic challenges are normal and manageable. Use ��������’ many available resources!”

Example: “Visit the Learning Commons, attend tutoring sessions, join study groups, or connect with your professor during office hours. These resources exist to support you. If you find yourself mentally struggling with your performance, a mental health counselor can help you navigate these feelings.”

Your First-Year Guide to Mental Wellness

When everything feels new (your classes, friends, schedule, and environment), it’s easy to neglect self-care. But the truth is, taking care of your physical and emotional health is an integral part of academic success! 

Tip from Bailey: “Think of self-care as a daily habit, not an occasional break. Prioritize nutrition, sleep, exercise, and connecting with others. Checking in with a counselor can be included on this list as well.”

Example: “Fuel your body with nutritious meals, move your body regularly, and prioritize 7–9 hours of sleep. If you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed, talking with a counselor can help you reset and refocus.”

Your First-Year Guide to Asking for Help

So many students are navigating the same challenges as you, even if they don’t always talk about it. And here at ��������, you don’t have to figure it out all by yourself.

Tip from Bailey: “Starting college is a huge transition.  Don’t wait until things feel unmanageable to ask for help. Support is available now, and it’s okay to take it.”

Example: “��������’ Counseling Center offers free, confidential counseling services for students. Whether you're looking for someone to talk to or need support with stress, anxiety, or anything else, we're here for you.”

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Journey

Like any big life change — this transition may be harder than you expected. But the best things in life are often the ones that challenge us the most.

Every fall, a new class of Patriots ventures to Williamsburg, Kentucky to embrace the unknown. Remember to accept these days for what they truly are: adventures. And, like a Tolkien or C.S. Lewis novel, the journey won’t always be smooth sailing — but you’ve got this. Like Bilbo Baggins or Lucy Pevensie, you’ll make mistakes, learn from them, and keep moving forward. Every step you take is part of your story!

As someone who once stood at the start of that journey herself, Bailey can tell you: “The adventure is worth it!”

If you're navigating the transition to college life, we hope this helps you feel seen, supported, and empowered. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the Counseling Center. They are there to walk alongside you every step of the way.

Welcome to ��������. You belong here.

FAQs

Q: What’s the best way to manage homesickness in college?

A: Stay connected to home through regular calls or messages but also create new routines and experiences where you are. You don’t have to choose between staying connected to home and building a life here. You can do both.

Q: What should I do if I’m overwhelmed with stress or anxiety?

A: You’re not alone. Support is available! Talk to someone you trust, like a friend, RA, professor, or counselor. ��������’ Counseling Center offers free, confidential support for students. Don’t wait until you’re in crisis to reach out!

Q: What are some healthy habits to build during my first year?

A: Some of the most helpful habits include:

• Getting 7–9 hours of sleep per night
• Eating balanced meals
• Moving your body regularly
• Using a planner to stay organized
• Making time for rest and connection
• Building small, consistent habits now sets you up for success later.