Easing Into the College Groove: A Gentle August Transition

When August arrives, children, teens, young adults, and parents often are thinking about the same thing: the start of school! The slow stretch of summer begins to fold into the structure of the school year, and with that shift can come anticipation, dread, excitement, or all three at once. For young adults returning to campus or restarting online, heading back to college can bring up a mix of feelings that deserve space, compassion, and planning.

The transition doesn’t have to be abrupt. In fact, giving yourself time to emotionally and practically prepare can make all the difference in how supported and steady you feel once the semester begins. This isn’t about doing everything perfectly; rather, it’s about creating anchors for yourself as routines restart and responsibilities increase.

So, what are some tips for young adults heading back to college for the fall semester? Read on for more info from the holistic healers at Rise and Thrive Counseling! 

1. Ground Yourself in Daily Structure (Before You're Forced To)

Before syllabi, deadlines, and campus events take over your schedule, start gently reclaiming a daily rhythm. Even light structure can help you feel more prepared, less overwhelmed, and more in control. 

To begin re-introducing structure into your summer, you can try to:

• Begin waking up and going to bed at roughly the same times you’ll need for school.

• Introduce consistent meals or snacks to regulate your energy.

• Practice using a planner or digital calendar again - just for practice, not pressure.

• Set aside 1–2 hours a day for "school mode" tasks like reading or reviewing notes.

• Build in one predictable wind-down ritual each night (music, tea, journaling, etc.).

2. Make Space for the Emotional Transition

Going back to school can stir up more than just academic stress. You might be re-entering environments tied to burnout, loneliness, or even growth and pride. Make space for whatever comes up and don’t expect yourself to feel just one way.

To make space emotionally, try:

• Journal about what’s exciting and what’s hard about returning.

• Reflect on what went well last year and what you'd like to do differently.

• Name the coping tools that have worked for you in past transitions.

• Normalize feeling unmotivated or anxious even if you “should” feel ready.

• Talk to a trusted friend, therapist, or mentor about your emotional prep.
  

3. Set Your Support System in Motion Early

Waiting until you’re in crisis to seek support can make the semester harder than it needs to be. Use August to get a few scaffolds in place, so you’re not starting from scratch if stress spikes later.

Here are some ways to start building or rebuilding that support system:

• Reconnect with professors, advisors, or accessibility services proactively.

• Research mental health resources on campus or nearby.

• Make a list of people you can reach out to when you feel stuck or isolated.

• Organize your academic tools now (folders, logins, book lists, etc.).

• Build a mini "comfort kit" for your room or backpack (snacks, affirmations, fidgets, meds).
  

Conclusion: Resources for Young Adults Heading Back to College

Here are a few helpful tools to have bookmarked or saved as you transition into the semester:

Mental Health & Emotional Support

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988 for 24/7 free, confidential support.

• Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor.

• Therapy Assistance Online (TAO) – Many campuses offer free access to TAO for mindfulness and mental health tools.

• Headspace or Insight Timer – Meditation and mindfulness apps with free and paid options.
  

Academic Tools

• Khan Academy – Free video tutorials for a wide range of subjects.

• Grammarly – Writing support and editing help.

• Quizlet – Study sets, flashcards, and test prep tools.
  

Organization & Life Skills

• Google Keep or Notion – Tools for organizing your tasks, notes, and life.

• You Need a Budget (YNAB) or Mint – Budgeting tools to help you stay on top of expenses.

• Active Minds – A national nonprofit supporting mental health advocacy on college campuses.
  

Accessibility & Identity-Affirming Resources

• National Center for College Students with Disabilities

• The Trevor Project – Crisis support and resources for LGBTQ+ youth.

• Your campus’s Disability Support Services, Multicultural Affairs Office, and LGBTQ+ Resource Center.
  

Speaking of resources: if you want more holistic help, look no further than Rise and Thrive Counseling. Our holistic counselors can help address all areas of life. Reach out today to learn more. We look forward to hearing from you!