“When College Independence Meets Curfew: 7 Mental Health Tips for college Students This Summer”
By: Ally Nickerson
Image Source: istockphoto.com
We’ve all been there. Coming home for the summer after months of college is often a difficult (and weird) adjustment. You’ve gotten used to spending your time as you wish with no explanations needed, but now you’re waking up in your old room, navigating house rules, and are stuck in this awkward place in between being a kid and an adult… sort of. It’s normal to feel disconnected, frustrated, or even a bit lost during this transition, but you’re not alone, it does get easier!
Here are 7 Tips to Help You Stay Grounded, Keep the Peace, and Make the Most of Your Summer at Home
1. Reset Expectations
You’ve changed while you were away, and your family has too. Make the time to chat about rules and expectations you have of each other now that things are different. You’ve been living independently for a few months, its okay to respectfully ask for more space. At the same time, they might’ve settled into new rhythms while you’ve been gone.
2. Get a Hobby
The best way to get through the summer (and maybe out of the house) is to have a hobby. Start going to the gym, meeting with friends for a book club, or pick up a new sport. Find something to do to keep you busy, keep you sane, and help you enjoy your summer at home.
3. Create a Grown-up Routine
Set a daily structure that makes you feel more like an adult and less like you’ve traveled back to high school. Wake up at a good time, keep your space clean, and help out with small chores around the house.
4. Make Space
Each day carve out time for yourself. Whether its a walk, coffee run, or an hour on the TV, you’re allowed to step away and take a break.
5. Keep in Touch
Staying connected with friends from college takes effort, but it reminds you that you’re not alone. Your support system is still there even from a distance.
6. Keep the Big Picture in Mind
Summer will come and go sooner than you know it. This weird stage between kid and adult won’t last forever. Use this time to practice patience, self-awareness, and relationship skills, enjoying this time with friends and family as much as you can!
7. Talk It Out
For some of us, being home stirs up more emotions than we know how to deal with, and thats okay. Transitions are always tough. From old stresses to new questions about who you’re becoming, talking to a counsellor or someone outside of your family can help make sense of these feelings, process the changes, and find ways to move forward. Summer can be the perfect time to slow down, reflect, and connect with support before life ramps up again.
Finding Support When Emotions Run High
If you’re looking for someone to help you navigate the emotional ups and downs of coming home, Mark Ramsey or Sheryl Samuels from our clinic are a great fit! With a warm, down-to-earth approach, they support young adults through big transitions like returning home after college, managing shifting family dynamics, and figuring out who you are in between seasons. Whether you need a space to process, gain new tools, or just feel seen and heard, they’ll create a supportive environment to help you move forward with more clarity and confidence.
To book an intake session, a FREE 15 minute consultation session, or to learn more about how they can help, reach out to the office today at 902-812-1717, or by email at office@growwellcounselling.ca or visit growwellcounselling.ca .
*This content is based on lived experience and general knowledge. It is not a substitute for professional mental health advice or diagnosis.