Thousands of college students in the US have returned to campuses in the past few weeks. Some of those students are having their first real taste of college life, whether because they’re first year students or because their previous years were affected by COVID-19.
I spent a decade working with college students prior to pursuing a career in counseling, and I continue to work with some college students and young adults as a mental health counselor. I was recently invited to share some self-care tips for college students with UpJourney. The following is a bit of what I wrote:
“College offers lots of opportunities, from taking a class on the folklore of the area to exploring new cultures as you get to know your peers to play ultimate frisbee on the lawn.
Find the people and activities that bring you joy and help you feel alive. Attend the organizational fair (usually held at the beginning of each semester, with a larger one in the fall).
Get information about anything that sounds interesting, and go to their welcoming events.
At a minimum, you’ll likely get some free food and/or swag, or maybe a comical story to tell later. At best, you may meet some lifelong friends and find a passion that helps you through the hard days of life.”
You can follow this link to read the remainder of my tips for self-care as a college student (found around the halfway point of the article), as well as the tips from a variety of others professionals.
Michelle F. Moseley is a licensed clinical mental health counselor providing telehealth services in the state of North Carolina. She specializes in providing support for folks who struggle with feelings of not being enough, which often stem from messages of being “too much.” She works from a trauma-informed perspective, and believes that ALL people deserve respect, compassion, and to feel heard. Learn more about Michelle by visiting www.MichelleFMoseley.com or following her on Instagram – @therapy_with_michelle
