Preparing for College: Getting into the Right Mindset
Preparing for College: Getting into the Right Mindset
A lot of people talk about preparing for college by discussing things like prospectus plans, or where you’re going to live during your course. It’s easy to overlook the mental strain of pursuing higher education. While it’s true that college can be a wonderful way to learn something new about yourself, develop valuable skills, and create new friendships, it’s also a daunting challenge for many people. Often, going to college will mean living on a shoestring budget, studying long hours, and dealing with significant amounts of stress. On top of all that, you’re surrounded by people you don’t know very well, rather than the comforts of home. Here’s how you can prepare your mindset for college.
Know Your Financial Situation
Unfortunately, most students need to be prepared for living on a very tight budget when attending college. Even if you have enough time to get a part-time job when you’re studying, you’re still going to struggle with making ends meet. With that in mind, prepare yourself for having to compromise on some of the things you might want to pay for, like streaming services, or new games every month. Think about how much your tuition, housing, and other crucial expenses are going to cost, and look into your various options for funding. For instance, you can look into a private lender’s loan options to secure the financing to complete your degree and apply for various grants.
Find Your Support Strategy
Sometimes, life in college will be all about fun, discovery, and making new friends. Other times, you might find yourself feeling overwhelmed by the amount of pressure you’re under to accomplish your goals, achieve new things, and pass certain tests. When things seem overwhelming, it can be easy to get lost in your own emotions. This is particularly true if you’re far from home and your usual support circle. Fortunately, you can prepare yourself for the more difficult moments by having a support strategy in place. For instance, you could have a movie and blanket you always curl up with when you’re feeling overwhelmed, or a certain meditation app that can help you to keep calm. Sometimes, just speaking to a friend or family member over the phone can make a huge difference.
Be Kind to Yourself
Finally, just because the movies you see about college seem to focus on the fun parts more often than the stress doesn’t mean you have to be a party animal or beacon of positivity all the time. You get to choose what college is going to be like, and sometimes that means giving yourself a break and reminding yourself that you’re in a new place, experiencing new things. Sometimes, that’s going to be a frightening experience. Remind yourself that it’s okay to ask for help when you need it, and don’t be afraid to reach out to the people around you. Many colleges have support groups and forums where students can go and connect with other people like them if they’re feeling a little overwhelmed.
