The transition to college can be an exciting and meaningful time, a period filled with new opportunities, friendships, and independence. But for many students, it also brings a mix of uncertainty and stress. Whether it’s managing academics, navigating social pressures, or living away from home for the first time, these changes can contribute to heightened anxiety and emotional overwhelm.

Common Sources of College Anxiety

While every student’s experience is unique, several themes commonly emerge:

• Academic Pressure: College often introduces new levels of challenge and self-comparison. Students who once excelled easily may now find coursework more demanding, leading to self-doubt or perfectionistic thinking.
• Social Adjustment: Forming new friendships, managing roommate dynamics, and finding a sense of belonging can feel both exciting and intimidating.
• Independence and Identity: As students begin making decisions about their values, relationships, and goals, they may feel pulled between who they’ve been and who they want to become.
• Performance and Uncertainty: Balancing academic, social, and extracurricular expectations can be exhausting—especially when coupled with fears about the future or “not doing enough.”
• Physical and Emotional Changes: Disrupted sleep, changes in eating habits, and shifting routines can all amplify anxiety symptoms and affect overall well-being.

When Anxiety Gets in the Way

It’s normal to feel anxious about major life transitions, but when worry starts to interfere with sleep, concentration, motivation, or self-confidence, it may be time to seek support. Many students describe feeling “stuck in their head,” caught between the pressure to achieve and the desire to feel more grounded and connected.

How Therapy Can Help

Therapy provides a space to better understand what’s fueling anxiety, and to learn practical tools for managing it. With a compassionate and evidence-based approach, I help students:

• Identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns
• Build coping strategies for stress and perfectionism
• Strengthen self-compassion and emotional resilience
• Navigate transitions in identity, relationships, and independence

Supporting a Confident Transition

As a psychologist who specializes in anxiety, mood, and eating concerns across the lifespan, one of my passions is working with college students to support a balanced and confident transition into adulthood. Through virtual therapy (available across PSYPACT states), I help students develop the skills and self-understanding needed to manage stress, deepen connection, and feel more at ease in this new chapter.

If you or someone you care about is struggling with anxiety during the college transition, I’d be honored to help. You can learn more or schedule a consultation by clicking the button below.