Your College Survival Guide: 5 Mental Health Tips Every Student Should Know

As you’re preparing to head back to college or start your first year, mental health and self-care is probably the last thing on your mind. Between packing, planning your class schedule, and buying new books and supplies, it can be tough to prioritize your wellbeing. That’s why I created the Challenging Negative Thoughts Journal and the free Motivational Calendar below. You can use it whenever you’re feeling overwhelmed (especially during exam season), or as a guide for scheduling and goal-setting. Here are 5 mental health tips you should know before the school year starts, and simple tools to help you stay happy and stress-free.

1. Have a plan for mental health emergencies 

If you suffer from anxiety or depression, know what to do when you need urgent help. Make a list of on-campus resources you can use, and friends/family you can call when you need to vent. You can also use cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) exercises when you’re in a negative headspace or are feeling overwhelmed. Remember: if you feel like your mental health is declining, it’s okay to give yourself a break and take a day off.

Grab Your Digital Mental Health Journal

Do you find yourself engaging in negative self-talk or often think, “I wish I didn’t worry so much”? We all struggle with negative thoughts sometimes, and that’s okay! But when we let these thoughts go unchecked, that’s when we can start to form unhelpful and even harmful patterns in our thinking.

The Challenging Negative Thoughts journal helps you cope with anxiety and stop the cycle of negative thinking by challenging your negative thoughts in the moment. Over time, you might find that you automatically replace these thoughts with more uplifting ones.

Get your copy below:

2. Don’t overcommit 

At the beginning of the school year, it can be tempting to sign up for every club and volunteering opportunity. Of course, getting involved allows you to have new experiences, meet new people, and makes your time at college more fun overall. But don’t overdo it: it’s best to be selective with the number of extracurriculars you sign up for. Don’t feel like you need to say yes to everything. To maximize your time management, think realistically about whether you’ll be able to juggle these commitments with your social life and school. Narrow down your choices and only sign up for the activities that will benefit you the most. Here are a few questions you can ask yourself to see whether the activity is worth signing up for:

Does it offer valuable experiences that will be useful to you in the future?

Will it look good on resumes or applications?

Is it something you’ll genuinely enjoy?

If the answer to all of those questions is no, you’re probably better off leaving that slot in your schedule open or finding a different activity.

3. Keep in contact with your friends and family from home

If you’re going to be away from home, make an effort to call your friends and family regularly so that you have a solid support system of people you trust. When your schedule gets hectic, sometimes talking to friends and family falls to the bottom of your priority list. But it’s important to continue to nurture and cherish your long-time friendships for your own mental health and wellbeing. Talking to the people you love most will boost your mood and provide a sense of comfort.

4. Make a study schedule

Make a schedule at the beginning of the year when you get your course outlines. Write down the dates of assignments and exams in advance so that you’re not overwhelmed when the date approaches. Be proactive and create a study plan ahead of time. This is an important step to alleviate stress, especially if you’re prone to anxiety.

Download the printable Back-to-School College Calendar below! It includes motivational quotes to keep you inspired throughout the year, along with a space for you to write down due dates and other notes.

5. Surround yourself with likeminded people

Have you ever heard the saying, “You are the sum of the 5 people you spend the most time with?” This is especially true in college. Spending time with people who are motivated and take good care of themselves will help you form healthy habits. If you have the option to choose your roommates, live with people who eat well, workout, and balance their personal lives with school. You’ll be more likely to take care of yourself emotionally and physically. Being around people who you have a lot in common with will also benefit your mental health. Strive to surround yourself with others who have a positive influence on you, and be a positive influence for others as well.  

Did you enjoy the free Student Self-Care Kit and Back-to-School Calendar? Sign up below to get more resources that will help you have a successful, stress-free school year. You’ll get weekly mental health and self-development tips, and free copies of the Anxiety Relief Journal and Self-Development Planner.