Business & Strategy

Knowing when you’ll see loved ones again can help you push through the tough days. Schedule Your First Break Visit. Plan your first trip home—or a visit from a friend—before you even leave for college. It gives you something tangible to look forward to. Try it! Look at your college…

Dining halls are great, but knowing how to make a few easy, healthy meals will save you money and help you feel at home. Learn 3 Simple Meals. Cooking was a great way for me to get friends together and start new traditions! Try it! Choose three meals you can…

Make a “Homesickness Kit.” Homesickness is normal. Prepare for it now with a small kit of comfort items—photos, a cozy blanket, favorite snacks, or a handwritten note from home. When the first hard day hits, you’ll have reminders that you’re loved and known. Try it! Pack 3–5 meaningful items and…

It’s tempting to cram every summer moment with tasks and meetups. Take a Day to Rest. A day with no packing, planning, or posting can reset your soul. College will be full of movement. Start practicing stillness now. Try it! Pick one day to be phone-free and plan-free. Go outside, nap,…

Pray Bold Prayers. This season isn’t just about packing and planning. It’s spiritual, too. Don’t be afraid to ask God for bold things—for peace, deep friendships, clear purpose, or a strong start. He already knows what you need. Prayer shifts your posture from pressure to peace. Try it! Write out 3…

It’s easy to compare your college experience to others online. Set Social Media Boundaries. Setting boundaries now will protect your focus and your mental health. Decide in advance how much time you want to spend on social media during your first month. Choose to be present where your feet are.…

Talking to someone who’s already been to college can be encouraging and eye-opening. Ask Someone About Their College Transition. Reach out to an older sibling, cousin, or friend and ask what surprised them about their first year. It’s helpful to hear honest stories, not just highlight reels. Try it!  Set…

You don’t have to figure it all out alone when you get there. Know Your Campus Resources. Colleges have mental health services, tutoring centers, student organizations, and more. Familiarizing yourself with these resources ahead of time can make a huge difference when you actually need them. Try it! Make a…

In this Summer Rewind episode, we revisit a helpful conversation with Dr. Guy Chmieleski, author and Vice President of Student Affairs at Friends University, all about adjusting to campus life. Starting college can be both exciting and overwhelming. Dr. Chmieleski offers insight into what students can expect as they move…

Visit Your Future Campus (Even Virtually) Before you go, familiarize yourself with your college environment. If you can’t visit in person, take a virtual tour, explore online maps, or even follow student-run social media pages. Getting a visual sense of where you’re going helps ease anxiety and builds anticipation. Try…