Returning to Campus: Making the Most of Your Next College Year

Coming back to campus for another year of college can feel different than the first. The things you were originally worried about are probably feeling better now - you already know the lay of the land where your classes are, how to get food after the dining hall closes, and which shortcuts save the most time. But even with that familiarity, each year brings its own new challenges and opportunities.

For many students, the second (or third, or fourth) year comes with different responsibilities: heavier course loads, leadership roles, internship or grad school planning, and friendships or other relationships that might be shifting. It can often feel like you “should” have everything figured out just because you’re not new anymore. But, the truth is that every year of college has its own learning curve, and it’s completely natural to feel the growing pains of that!

Taking Stock Before Moving Forward

One of the best ways to set yourself up for a successful year is to pause and reflect on the last one. Thinking back on what worked well for you can be a helpful guide for your next semester. For example, maybe you found a study group that kept you accountable, or you got better at reserving downtime or self-care time.

You can also reflect on what worked less well. Maybe you pulled too many late nights, or overcommitted to activities that left you feeling drained or unfulfilled.

Writing a few of these down can give you a clearer picture of what you want to carry forward and what you’d like to do differently this year.

Practical Ways to Make This Year Count

1. Set small, specific goals.
   Instead of telling yourself, “I want to do better in school,” try setting one concrete goal, like blocking off two evenings a week for distraction-free studying or visiting office hours with your professors once a month. Getting specific will make it easier to feel less overwhelmed by your goals and achieve a sense of progress.

2. Keep building connections.
   College isn’t just about academics, it’s also about building relationships! Try saying yes to meeting someone new, deepen an existing friendship, or reach out to a professor whose work interests you. These connections often shape your experience as much as classes do, and sometimes, even more!

3. Find balance between structure and flexibility.
   A solid routine helps, but it’s also important to leave space for the unexpected. You can work on creating routines that help you stay grounded, while also leaving room for spontaneity. Academic and social life can be unpredictable, so being able to adapt will help keep you from burning out.

4. Check in on your mental health.
   Just because you’ve “done college before” doesn’t mean stress or anxiety can’t creep in! Be honest with yourself about how you’re feeling, and don’t wait until you’re in crisis to reach out for support.

A Gentle Reminder

At Upstream Mental Health, we’re firm believers that you don’t need to wait until things get really bad to start therapy. Many students find that talking with a therapist helps them stay grounded, set clearer goals, and feel more confident navigating the ups and downs of college life.

Returning to campus is more than just picking up where you left off; it’s a chance to grow, reset, and shape the year ahead in ways that feel right for you. Give yourself permission to approach it with curiosity, flexibility, and compassion. If you’d like support through your return to campus this year, you can schedule a session with someone from our team here.