Coping with College

  Save the campus police number as a contact in your phone. If you think you are being followed or feel unsafe, call or Facetime a friend and let him or her know, just in case. Even if you do not have someone to call, pretending someone is on the line can deter someone from thinking that you are alone.  Know where the exits of buildings and parking garages are and be mindful of them. Travel in pairs after dark.  Carry pepper spray, an alarm, or other self-defense tools.  Take a self-defense class. Many campuses have them for free! Plus, it's a great activity to do with your friends.  Most campuses have “Safety Buttons” located around campus, so learn their locations.

  Keep in contact with others back home and call them! Share your day, send pictures, and let them know what is happening in your life.  Keep up with friends and family on social media and engage in their posts. Many people post milestones, and commenting is a great way to stay engaged from a distance.  Ask if someone from back home can send a care package or even just write a letter. Distract yourself by making new friends, finding support groups, or catching up on a hobby.  Make a point to travel back home. You may think you are too busy or need to study, but sometimes family is the only answer!

  Do not cram the night before! Depending on your short-term memory during a test causes anxiety.  Try doing something you enjoy right before the test instead of trying to continue to cram information. Go for a walk, listen to music, call a friend, or enjoy a snack. I do this about thirty minutes before a test, and it helps tremendously. Close your eyes and focus on controlling your breathing while the teacher is passing out the exam or you are waiting for your computer to load.  Refrain from drinking energy drinks before the exam as this can add to the jitters!

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