Tips for First-year Students
Attending college for the first time is a big deal. It’s an exciting time that comes with many new experiences and changes, which can affect your mental well-being. This is especially true if you have a mental illness such as depression or anxiety.
The key to staying healthy and succeeding while at the University of Michigan is to take a proactive role in managing your mental health. The Campus Mind Works program aims to help you transition to college as smoothly as possible. We’ve gathered some resources and tips to help you get the most out of your U-M experience and protect your mental well-being.
Make a plan to stay healthy
The best way to stay healthy while at school is to plan ahead. This process begins long before you set foot on campus. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
- As a first step, print and review our Preparation Checklist of tips for a smooth transition. Check off each step as you complete it.
- Next, print and complete our health and wellness worksheet to create your own plan for maintaining your mental health and wellness while at U-M.
Keep up with academic demands
College is much different from high school. Your classes meet less often, so you’ll need to spend more time studying on your own. It can be hard to balance schoolwork with a social life. But practicing a few time management skills can help you get your new schedule under control and lower your stress.
- Get academic support. Your classes are likely bigger and have fewer exams or assignments than you are used to. It's a good idea to go to your instructor's office hours and ask for help when you need it. You should also take advantage of resources outside the classroom. The University of Michigan also has many free academic resources you can use.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Many new students find that adjusting to the academic demands of U-M can be stressful. But getting enough sleep, managing your symptoms, and utilizing stress-management techniques can help you remain calm and perform at your best. Learn more about self-care.
- Talk to a mental health professional if needed. If you are struggling in class because of your mental health condition, it’s important to address your concerns as soon as possible. Make an appointment to talk with a mental health provider to discuss your symptoms.
Develop social relationships
Whether you’re trying to make new friends, exploring a new romance, or learning to live with a new roommate, relationships can sometimes be a source of stress. But more often, they are a source of support. By embracing the challenge to form new relationships in college, you’re connecting with your community and promoting good mental health.
Some easy ways to form new friendships include:
- Residence halls. Meal times and hall activities are great social opportunities. Most students want to meet new people and make connections.
- Student organizations. The University of Michigan has a student organization to match almost any interest. Visit Maize Pages to find one that's the right fit for you. There are even student organizations dedicated to mental health.
- Become a mental health advocate. Consider joining the Eisenberg Family Depression Center Student Advisory Board. This group comprises students committed to engaging with and supporting the Center’s mission to create a healthier campus and reduce the stigma of mental illness. Contact Taylor Pahl if you are interested in learning more.
Adjust to living on your own
Whether you’re living on your own for the first time or searching for off-campus housing in Ann Arbor, issues related to your living situation may create stress.
- New responsibilities. Independent living comes with new responsibilities, such as cleaning, doing laundry, grocery shopping and paying bills. Explore these financial education resources to learn how to stay on top of things.
- Living with roommates. As a first-year student, this may be the first time that you’ve lived with a roommate. Talking with them about expectations and finding ways to compromise and share responsibilities can help you both avoid problems. If you and your roommate need help mediating a conflict, you can talk with your hall resident advisor or visit the Office of Student Conflict Resolution (OSCR).
- Housing options. The University of Michigan Housing has information on undergraduate, graduate, family, and off-campus housing.
Take care of yourself
Making your health a priority in college can be challenging when so many other responsibilities compete for your time and attention. It’s important to remember that your physical health and your mental health are connected. Finding ways to stay physically healthy can help you feel better and prevent or manage your mental health symptoms.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle. You may feel that you’re too busy to get enough sleep, exercise, or eat healthy food, but all of these lifestyle factors have an impact on your mental health as well as your academic performance. Prioritizing self-care is the best way to thrive at school.
- Avoid alcohol and other drugs. Some students believe that using alcohol or other drugs will relieve the symptoms of their mental illness, but in reality, these substances are more likely to make symptoms worse. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol or drug use, there are resources available to help.
- Get regular medical checkups: It’s easy to forget to schedule appointments. To help you stay healthy, the University Health & Counseling offers both walk-in and scheduled appointments, and most services are already covered by the health service fee, which is paid as part of your tuition.
Consider sharing your mental health condition with others
Navigating college can be tough, especially when you're managing a mental health condition. One of the biggest questions is whether to tell others about it. While you don't always need to share personal details, it's smart to think about the pros and cons of telling people. This worksheet can help you work through the benefits and risks of disclosing your mental health condition to others.
- Telling your professors. If you are falling behind in a class, it's a good idea to talk to your instructor about how to get back on track. The sooner you do this, the better your chances of succeeding. You can also visit U-M’s Services for Students with Disabilities Office to see if you can get extra help, like more time on tests or a quiet place to take them.
- Telling your friends. You may worry about what your roommate or friends will think if you tell them about your mental health condition. Having a support system of people you trust is beneficial in many ways. If you don't feel comfortable sharing your story with people you know, consider talking to students in campus mental health clubs. They can be an excellent resource for support.
Still undecided? Talk with your mental health provider if you are struggling with the idea of sharing your diagnosis with others. They can help you talk it through and decide what’s best for you.