by Nola Peshkin

Transitioning from high school to university is an exciting step that comes with opportunities for independence, personal growth, and academic discovery. This newfound freedom and multitude of firsts will also bring a range of challenges, and many college students find themselves learning to manage their first year of college. We spoke with Dr. Brian Baucom, Director of Clinical Training in the Department of Psychology, to get his expert advice for students.

“Mental health,” as Dr. Baucom defines it, “includes a person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being, and it affects how we think, feel, and act. It is an ongoing process and not something to put into a binary of healthy vs. not healthy.” Dr. Baucom recommends that students maintain a forward-looking perspective on their time in college, meaning they are intentional with their time and energy, and maintain a growth-oriented mindset. “Also, reach out early,” he says, “It’s never a bad time to talk to someone you trust, like your Resident Advisor, a family member, or a friend. If you’re questioning whether you need mental health support, the answer is likely yes. And it’s always okay to ask for it!” For those who may be hesitant to seek help, Dr. Baucom advises to think about the advice you would give to a loved one in the same situation: “You’d want them to feel supported and to get the care they need. It’s important to offer yourself the same compassion.”

This can take a variety of shapes and forms, like establishing new rhythms of work and free time, building a social network of friends and community, and finding activities that bring you joy. While everyone will find different mindfulness and stress reduction techniques effective, Dr. Baucom recommends the following two strategies, which can benefit everyone and are easy to practice at home:

1. “The most important piece of advice I can offer is to prioritize good sleep. Sleep enhances our decision making, emotional regulation, problem-solving, creativity, and so much more. Keeping a regular sleep schedule can be difficult during your first year of college, but it’s one of the best ways to support your overall health.”

2. “Build a deliberate practice to check in with yourself each day. That could look like meditation, walking, breathing exercises, or any activity that creates space and time for you to connect with your thoughts and feelings. Regularly practicing this kind of intentional reflection can help you maintain emotional balance, manage stress, and prevent burnout.”

When it comes to implementing mental health care into your daily life, Dr. Baucom recommends treating this practice like brushing your teeth: “You don’t only do it before you see the dentist; you do it every day. Being intentional about mental health maintenance should be a daily practice, not just limited to a counselor’s office. Consistency is what makes a real difference.”

The U has an incredible wealth of campus resources to support students’ overall wellbeing. “From texting to online chats to in-person counseling, there’s an option that fits everyone’s unique situation,” says Dr. Baucom.

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