Studies show that 37% of college students experience anxiety disorders. Admittedly, you can feel anxious when settling down in your new environment. Dealing with a new, demanding, rigorous academic schedule can be too much for many students. But regardless of the cause, anxiety can mar your college experience and affect your studies. So, if you’re preparing for college, use these tips to help overcome this feeling.
- Familiarize yourself with the campus
Take some time to explore the campus a few weeks before school starts. If you live around, try visiting at least twice to ensure that you can familiarize yourself with the environment. Take note of the buildings, classrooms, and common areas, and get to know some staff members or workers on campus. This activity can alleviate anxiety about getting lost on the first day. You can tour your new campus with a friend or family member, so keep this in mind. But if you have to do it alone, consider using online maps and resources. This way, you get acquainted with your new environment unaided.
- Feel confident about yourself by looking good
Few things can make you more nervous about your first day in college than your looks. Fortunately, you don’t have to buy the latest clothes or trendiest accessories. However, put a little more effort into your appearance. Ensure that your clothes are always clean and ironed if they need to be. Also, identify the things about you that make you feel nervous or insecure about yourself and decide what you can do about them. For example, if you’re insecure about your teeth, consider visiting specialists like All About Smiles Dentistry to get them fixed before school starts.
- Talk to someone
Understandably, settling in during and after your first day in college can be difficult. Almost every college has people you can contact for mental and emotional support. As mentioned, it’s best to familiarize yourself with your new college before school starts. During your tour, find out if there’s a department dedicated to students’ welfare and mental or emotional health. Get to know the people there, and don’t hesitate to speak with them whenever you have anxiety issues. Of course, you can also get to know your housemates and colleagues. Making the right friends can immensely help, so feel free to consider this.
- Practice deep breathing and relaxation techniques
Even with your best efforts, anxiety can be triggered at any time. If you have anxiety disorders, this can easily lead to full-blown panic attacks. You need to know how to handle yourself, and practicing deep breathing and relaxation techniques can be incredibly helpful. Take a few moments before school starts to practice deep breathing exercises. Learn how to control your breathing by inhaling deeply through your nose, holding your breath for a few seconds, and exhaling slowly through your mouth. This simple technique can help calm your nerves and reduce anxiety, regardless of the situation. But don’t end there; consider other relaxation activities, yoga, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation to find what works best for you.
