Navigating College Transitions: A Personal Journey Through Change

September 4, 2025
By Maria Ashford, PhD I still remember the first time I moved into my college dorm. My parents helped carry my bags, set up my room, then gave me a hug, and left. Suddenly, I was on my own. I didn’t know anyone, the hallways were unfamiliar, and the schedule was anything but structured. Classes, clubs, meals, laundry, and just figuring out how to manage basic self-care all felt like too much at once. The first weeks were a blur of trying to meet people, learn my way around campus, and figure out how to balance everything. Personal care. Social life. Finances. Education. Extracurriculars. It was a lot, and some days I felt like I was barely keeping my head above water. Yet slowly, bit by bit, I started to find my rhythm. I made friends, discovered routines that worked, and realized I was capable of more than I thought. Transitions like this can be tricky. Sometimes, finding our footing can take longer than we expect. Transitions often ask us to change the way we navigate our world and problem-solve challenges. At college, what worked in high school or at home might not work anymore, and we’re forced to experiment, adjust, and sometimes even fail before we find a new way forward. That’s normal and more importantly, it’s okay! Even after settling into daily life at school, I knew there were still so many big changes ahead: new semesters, studying abroad, internships, and eventually graduation. Each of these steps come with their own excitement as well as their own uncertainty; a reminder that life doesn’t slow down once you feel like you’ve “figured things out.” Transitions like these can be tough for a lot of reasons. Emerging adulthood, the life-stage Jeffrey Arnett describes as a period where you’re figuring out who you are while also navigating a world full of expectations, can be stressful! For many of us, this is the first time we’re managing major responsibilities independently, everything from finances to friendships to academic and work goals. The pressure to “have it all together” can feel intense, and even small setbacks can feel magnified. There are some common aspects of transitions that are expected:
  • Feeling uncertain or anxious about the future
  • Struggling to find routines that work in a new environment
  • Experiencing homesickness or loneliness
  • Worrying about making the right choices academically, socially, or professionally
While these experiences are normal, there are times when it can be helpful to reach out for support. If you notice that stress or anxiety is interfering with daily life, making it hard to sleep, eat, focus, or maintain relationships, or if you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed for weeks at a time, these are signals that talking to a profession al could be useful. Seeking help doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means you’re taking care of yourself and building skills to navigate life’s challenges more effectively. At The Ross Center, we support emerging adults through these transitions, helping you develop coping strategies, gain perspective, and find confidence in the midst of life’s changes.