For University Students: 5 Back-to-School Tips to Beat the Holiday Blues!

Hey students! Did the long summer break fly by in a flash? Whether you’re a freshman stepping onto campus for the first time, full of curiosity and nerves, or a returning student shaking off the lazy days and needing to get back into study mode, we get that mixed feeling of excitement and anxiety before the semester begins.

Research shows that many students experience anxiety or sleep troubles around the start of school—the so-called “back-to-school syndrome.” Here are five tips to help you settle back into campus life.

Tip 1: The Campus (Re)Exploration Plan: 15 Minutes a Day to Regain Your Footing!

Your brain needs time to readjust to the environment. Instead of rushing around on the first day of class, give yourself a 15-minute “campus exploration mission” ahead of time!

• For Freshmen: Sit and people-watch at the library, or take a walk on the grass and smell the flowers.
• For Returning Students: Take a less-traveled path to your department building, see what new shops have opened on campus, or find a corner you’ve never been to and just hang out to soak in the campus vibe again.
• A Mission for Everyone: Say hello to your resident fellows or faculty members. A simple “Long time no see!” or “Hi, it’s nice to meet you!” can help you integrate more quickly.

This small habit can effectively boost your sense of security and confidence, turning fear of the unknown or resistance to starting school into anticipation!

Tip 2: Set Reasonable Expectations

Set realistic goals and expectations. Make sure your goals are achievable to avoid the trap of perfectionism, as unrealistic goals can lead to feelings of frustration. At the same time, avoid comparing yourself excessively to others. Instead, use comparison as motivation. It can help you recognize your own needs and establish your goals more clearly.

Tip 3: Learn Time Management

Learn effective time management skills to properly balance your study and rest periods. This helps reduce academic pressure and improve learning efficiency. When you can make full use of your time, you’ll find you have more of it to pursue your interests and hobbies, thus achieving a balanced life.

Tip 4: Seek Social Support

Seeking support and connection is another key strategy for coping with anxiety. Sharing your worries with family, friends, or the campus counseling service can alleviate the negative impact of anxiety and stress. Meanwhile, building good social relationships can provide emotional support and encouragement, helping you better adapt to the new environment.

Tip 5: Cultivate Healthy Lifestyle Habits

Physical and mental health are interconnected. Maintaining healthy habits—such as a proper diet, exercise, adequate sleep, and relaxation—can help you better cope with stress and anxiety. Activities like exercise, meditation, and breathing exercises are all effective relaxation techniques that can help you reduce stress and anxiety.

The back-to-school season can be stressful, but it’s also a new beginning full of hope and opportunity. By learning stress-coping skills and building good social and lifestyle habits, you will be better able to adapt to the new environment and achieve your goals and dreams. If you need professional psychological support, our counsellors are available to meet with you and provide appropriate assistance.