Dear College students

Dear College Students,

I’m sorry you’re struggling. College is hard. There is a ton of work, you’re living on your own in a tiny room with a stranger, you feel lonely and anxious. You have too much to do and you often feel like crying (if only you had some privacy). Maybe you’ve procrastinated or mis-managed your time and now you’re behind and question whether you’ll ever be able to catch up. I know you feel overwhelmed and maybe even hopeless.

Try this: Do your laundry. Pick up your room. Brush your teeth. Go outside. Find a dog to pet. Eat a real meal, not a snack. Call your parents, or a friend or sibling and get some love. Then get down to work. You can do this.

And most of all, please understand: YOU ARE NOT ALONE. You are in the midst of a truly universal experience. You have inaccurate comparisons to everyone around you who you mistakenly assume is killing it. Many of your fellow students are actually just as insecure and discouraged as you are. Almost anyone who has gone to college has experienced the blues, gotten behind, pulled at least one all-nighter, and been in the same grubby, weary, tearful space you are. It’s just part of the experience. College is hard. (And also fun, interesting, and a huge growth experience).

You will get through this. For now, focus on small manageable goals and take loving care of yourself.