Tips for Thriving on Campus from an Anxious College Student

Megan Gizinski | Writer

College can be daunting, whether it’s your first year, second year, or last year. Not only can academics cause stress, it could arise when navigating halls or attending classrooms with unfamiliar faces. It can be a lot. I may not have all the answers to alleviate anxiety, but I have some useful tips I’ve learned when traversing campus life.

You’re going to find yourself in new social situations, and…oh no, here come the anxious sweats. But, don’t fret. Bring a spare deodorant and duck into the nearest bathroom to avoid any possible pit perspiration. While perfume or cologne can also work, it’s less discrete and can announce itself to a room.

It’s time for class, and the person you chatted with last week says hi. You attempt to reply, and, ohmygod- what’s their name?! Breathe. A playful “heyyy” usually gets the job done. Then, check your class roster, or listen for their name during attendance. When you leave, hit them with a little, “Bye, TheirName!” Wow, so confident.

Lastly, the most important thing I can advise is to make sure you eat throughout the day. Giving your body nutrients will make stressful situations easier to handle. To avoid shelling out your life savings for a bag of pretzels at a vending machine, pack a lunch. If you can’t, keep a few emergency dollars on you. Leave campus and grab a 4 for $4 at Wendy’s or make a pit stop at a local cafe. 

College can be quite intimidating. However, staying organized, having a positive mental attitude, and practicing good self-care can go a long way. It's important to remember that it takes time to adjust to the new atmosphere, but everyone is experiencing similar anxieties. By making the necessary adjustments to keep your stress levels in check, you'll be able to fully utilize all the resources that the college has to offer.