By: Ella Cohn, Summer Intern, High Point University

Transitioning back to college during this pandemic can be stressful for students. There’s a lot of uncertainty. We don’t know what classes and living situations will look like; we don’t even know how long we’ll be able to stay at school. If you are feeling the stress of going back to college, here are a few tips.

1. Communicate with your school: Calling or e-mailing your university can help ease your mind about some uncertainties. They are there to help you and answer any questions about how things may change during the semester.

2. Talk with friends: Confiding in people who are sharing the same experiences as you can help ease nerves. Going back to school and not knowing what will happen is scary. Talk to people who understand and know you’re not alone.

3. Create a “COVID 2020 Plan”: Talk to your parents and friends about your COVID plan. This plan consists of things that you can and cannot do while you are away at school to protect yourself from getting sick, such as wearing a mask in public spaces, washing your hands frequently, staying away from large gatherings, and limiting off campus activities.

4. Embrace your return: Keep a positive attitude and remind yourself of all the great parts about college that COVID can’t take away: learning (even if it is online), friends, Greek life, and clubs.

5. Talk with a therapist: Many offices have not resumed in person sessions and are conducting online therapy or teletherapy sessions. For more information on online therapy and its benefits, click here.

To book an online therapy appointment with Georgetown Psychology, head over to our online therapy page.

Although returning to college during a pandemic will be strange, it can also help you grow as a person and as a student. Facing adversities is nothing new for college students. Just consider this another bump in the road and focus on the future. Good luck to everybody in their fall semester!