Dear Soon-to-Be College Freshman: You’re About to Begin Something Big
Dear Soon-to-Be College Freshman: You’re About to Begin Something Big
Let’s just take a breath for a moment, because wow — here you are. High school is wrapping up, and everyone keeps asking, “Are you excited for college?” You smile and nod, because yeah, there is some excitement. The idea of decorating your dorm, picking out classes you actually get to choose, making new friends, maybe even leaving your hometown for the first time — it all sounds like an adventure.
But if you’re being honest, maybe there’s also this weird undercurrent of nervousness running alongside the excitement. Maybe it creeps in late at night or when you're alone with your thoughts. What if college isn’t what you expected? What if you miss home more than you thought? What if everyone else seems to adjust faster than you?
If this sounds like you — I want you to know something right now: you’re not broken, behind, or dramatic. You’re just human. And transitions like this one? They bring out all the feelings.
You're Not Alone in This Shift
So many incoming freshmen feel this way, even if no one’s really talking about it. It’s hard to move from a place where you know the halls, the routines, the people — to one where everything is new. It’s not just a new environment, it’s a new version of yourself you’re stepping into.
Some days you might feel unstoppable — confident, full of energy, ready for what’s ahead. And other days, the weight of change might feel a little heavy. That’s okay. Both experiences are part of the process. You don’t need to have it all figured out to move forward.
Let’s Talk About Tools — Not Perfection
You don’t need to wait until things feel hard to take care of yourself. Here are some gentle tools you can start practicing now:
Emotional Check-Ins: Create a routine of asking yourself, How am I, really? Your answer might shift day to day, and that’s normal. You can journal it, say it out loud, or even text it to a trusted person if that feels easier.
Set Boundaries with Compassion: You’ll have lots of new opportunities — clubs, social invites, study groups. Learn how to say “yes” when it feels right and “no” when you need rest. That’s part of self-respect, not isolation.
Create a “Comfort Toolkit”: Think of things that help you regulate when you’re overwhelmed — a playlist, cozy socks, photos from home, a favorite scent, a breathing exercise. Keep them close.
Find Connection (Not Just Social Media): It’s easy to scroll and feel like everyone’s adjusting faster than you. But real connection happens offline — in quiet chats with your roommate, group projects, or joining that club even if you feel awkward at first.
Know When to Ask for Support: It’s not weakness to reach out. Whether it’s a trusted adult, a counselor, or a therapist — having someone to talk to can help you stay grounded in the middle of big emotions.
You Deserve Support That Grows With You
If you’re reading this and thinking, “I wish someone could just walk through this with me…” — that’s what therapy can be. I work with teens and young adults who are navigating these exact kinds of transitions — the messy, beautiful, confusing ones. Together, we explore tools that feel good to you, build confidence, and help you navigate college not just as a student, but as a whole person.
Whether you’re excited, unsure, nervous, or all three at once — you don’t have to figure it out alone. This new chapter is a big one, and you deserve space to grow, process, and feel supported every step of the way.
If you or someone you know is preparing for college and could use support during this transition, feel free to reach out. I offer a warm, nonjudgmental space where your story matters — and your growth is the goal.
Here’s to the beginning of something beautiful.
