Moving to college can offer opportunities for young adults to grow their independence and enhance their overall mental health and well-being, even as busy students.
College is one of the best times in your life to truly discover who you are as a person and the paths you want to take to achieve your future goals. While growing up is never easy, especially as a teenager or 20-something-year-old moving away from home or learning to navigate an entirely new schedule, these new experiences found in college allow for continuous growth and a much better understanding of independence and confidence in oneself.
“My mental health has definitely improved since being in college,” Allison Briggs, a nursing student at the University of Arizona, said. “Moving away from my hometown has given me a sense of independence and meeting new people has benefited my wellbeing.”
College tends to differ from high school in that there is much more freedom and responsibility, as it is primarily up to the student to manage their time, schedules, extracurriculars and social life. Students can have a fresh start from high school if they wish, whether this involves forming new friendships or discovering new activities or subjects they are interested in.
Briggs is not alone in her thoughts about the benefits of the college experience on student mental health and well-being. Madeleine Amick, a UA sophomore, has also experienced a shift in her perspective since moving to Tucson for college.
“I think getting older and learning more about myself has allowed me to be in situations that are better for my mental health,” Amick said.
Jayla Taft, another UA sophomore, feels that being in college has decreased her symptoms of loneliness and depression.
“[Mental health] has improved in certain aspects like feeling less stress with what others think and do,” Taft said.
However, according to Taft, college has “”heightened” her anxiety, due to the stress of schoolwork and managing multiple classes at the same time.
Counseling & Psychological Services on the UA campus provides resources for students experiencing any mental health or wellbeing concerns. CAPS services include as-needed and site-based counseling, free groups and workshops, short-term medication and 24/7 crisis support. More information about the mental health resources available to UA students can be found on CAPS’ website.
