A Therapist's Guide for Preparing for Life Transitions: College Edition
Life transitions are always, well, a transition! Even if it’s an exciting change, it’s still hard to do something different and change your routine.
Maybe you’re a high school student getting ready to head to college. It might be your first time living away from home and you don’t know what to expect. Or, you may be nervous about making new friends and handling the academic workload. However, you could be someone who has been out of school for a while and you are now preparing to start your career. You may be worried about acclimating to a new area or fitting into the culture of your new workplace.
No matter which category you fall into, there are some things you can do to make the transition smoother. In this blog post, we’re sharing our tips for making the move to college or starting your career as a young adult!
Get Acquainted with the Area
Whether you’re transitioning to college or a new job, getting to know the place you will be frequenting is important. As a therapist, I recommend this because it will help you feel more comfortable and make the transition less overwhelming. If you're starting college, you can sign up for a campus tour to learn where cafeterias, libraries, and your classes are. Once you know your way around, it will be one less thing to worry about. It can even help you feel less anxious on your first day.
When you're starting a new job, see if you can do a walk-through of the workplace on your first day. This way you can feel more comfortable and less nervous about finding your way around. You might even want to show up on your first day a little early so you have time to get settled in and orient yourself. It can be anxiety inducing when you don't know what to expect, and getting to know where you'll be working can ease your mind.
Find Places You Enjoy
Once you're acquainted with the area, find places you enjoy! At college, maybe find somewhere on campus you can study or spend time between classes. This can be a great way to meet new people that enjoy the same things as you. Or, you can use these new areas as a place to relax when you need a break from studying.
When starting your new career, find somewhere close to your job that you enjoy having lunch at, such as a deli or even a local park. This way you have a place to get away from work stress and relax for a bit. If your workplace is remote, you may want to find a coffee shop that you can work from some days. This way you can still get to know the new area even if your home most days.
Form a Support System
Having people to spend time with and rely on is important in any life transition. But, especially when starting something new, it can be helpful to have a support system. This could be your family, friends, or even a therapist.
When starting college or a new career, it can be overwhelming. You're in a new environment with new people and you might not know anyone. You may not have any friends at first. That's okay. It takes time to find your people. Remember that it's okay to find just a few people to connect with, you don't have to be best friends with everyone.
Making Friends as a College Student
If you’re a college student, we suggest joining clubs or organizations that interest you. By joining these groups, you have the chance to meet other people that have the same interests and passions as you.
However, if clubs and organizations aren't your thing, don't worry. You can also make friends by studying in the library or getting coffee together with classmates to study.
Making Friends Out of Coworkers
At a new job, it can seem difficult to make friends because you are surrounded by people that are trying to do the same thing as you: advance in their careers. However, this doesn't mean you can't befriend your coworkers. You can get to know your coworkers by having lunch with them in the break room. Or going out for lunch with them at surrounding restaurants and coffee shops. Another option is inviting them out for an activity after work, such as bowling or a trivia night.
Define Your Values and Stick to Them
Peer pressure can be tough, whether you're in college or starting a new career. It can be hard to stick to your values when people around you are doing things differently. For example, maybe all your friends are going out and drinking on the weekends and you don't want to. Or at your new job, you have a boss that is always asking you to work late, making it hard to maintain work-life balance.
It's important to figure out what your values are and to stick to them. At times, this can be difficult as others will be trying to persuade you to do things their way. But if you know what your values are, it'll be easier for you to say "no" and make decisions based on what you want, not what others want. If you ever have trouble finding and navigating your values, a therapist can support you through this process.
Navigating Financial Stress as a Young Adult
Money can be a big stressor for those starting college or a new career. It can be hard to balance school with a part-time job. Or, you may have student loans that you're worried about paying back. When moving to a new area, you may be stressed about paying your rent and saving up.
Creating a Budget
Creating a budget and figuring out a plan that makes sense for you financially is important.
Your budget will help you assess how much money you’re able to spend with the money you have coming in. It can also make you aware of the areas where you can cut back on spending, such as eating out less or buying fewer clothes. And if you're starting a new career, it is a good idea to have a savings plan in place to save for expensive items, like a new car or a down payment on a house. Just know, it’s okay to ask for help. Reaching out to a therapist to talk about your financial stress can be really beneficial.
Set Goals for Yourself
Setting goals is a great way to transition into a new phase of life. By setting these goals, you will have something to work towards and accomplish. They can also be a reminder that you can live up to your potential. Maybe as a college student, your goal is to get A's in as many classes as you can or to join an organization. Or if you’re starting a new career, your goal may be to land a job in your desired field.
However, it can also be something “small” like making a friend at work or finding a few new places you enjoy in town.
Help Yourself Find Balance
Whatever your goals may be, they should be realistic and attainable. Otherwise, they will be discouraging. It's also important to know that you won't always reach your goals right away. And that's okay! Taking small steps towards your goal is still progress. Plus, you can adjust your goal as you go along.
Some ideas for goals can be:
For starting college:
Getting a part-time job
Joining a club
Turning all of your projects in on time
For starting a new career:
Sending out one resume each week
Creating a budget
Eating lunch with a coworker once a week
Remember that these are just examples and that your goals can be anything you want them to be! It can be helpful to write down your goals as seeing them can help keep you motivated. A few great places to put your written goals can be on your fridge, by your bed, or in your planner. If you’re struggling with setting attainable goals, going to counseling and having the support of a therapist can be helpful.
Remember, You Still Have Time
Even if you don't have everything figured out, that's okay! Just know that no one has it all together. You're young and you have plenty of time to grow, learn, and change your mind. So, enjoy this new phase of life you're transitioning into, and know that it's okay if you don't have everything figured out just yet!
Reach Out for Support From a Young Adult Therapist in San Antonio, TX
Life transitions can be difficult no matter what they are. If you're struggling to adjust or just need someone to talk to, reaching out for support from a therapist can be beneficial. Our therapist at Monarch Behavioral Health will be able to help you find balance and be a part of your support system. Everyone goes through life transitions at some point, but that doesn’t mean you have to go through them alone.
If you’re interested in beginning therapy, you can follow these steps:
Contact our therapy office and learn more about our services
Meet with one of our therapists that offers young adult therapy, treating symptoms of anxiety.
Learn skills to navigate life transitions smoothly as a young adult. For more information, contact us or call 210.384.1254.