Ah, college life. Everyone says it’s supposed to be “the best years of your life,” right? There’s probably a lot of truth to that. You’ve got freedom, new friends, late-night pizza runs, you can party and not have to sneak out, and maybe even a class or two that you actually enjoy (shocking, I know). But let’s be real, there are also many things to dread that aren’t so fun. School work, homesickness, tight budgets, housekeeping, relationships, and about a million things competing for your time.
So, how do you keep your sanity? How do you stay happy when life feels overwhelming? These six tips will help you keep your cool and find ways to get everything done without giving up your sanity.
1. Take Care of You
This one’s at the top for a reason. If you’re not taking care of yourself, everything else is gonna feel harder. So, let’s talk self-care—but like, actual self-care. Not just bubble baths and face masks (though those are cool too).
Start with the basics: sleep. I know, I know—between studying and late-night TikTok scrolling, sleep gets shoved to the back burner. But aim for seven to eight hours a night. You’ll find yourself able to think more clearly, retain the information given to you, and when you finish your work quicker you have more time for play!
Eat some real food. Pizza rolls are life, but maybe toss in a veggie or two every now and then to get a little bit of balance. And get moving! Even if it’s just a walk around campus or a dance party in your dorm room, moving your body helps your brain relax a little and gives it a break. And in college, your brain needs all the breaks it can get.
A little secret, try something new just because it sounds fun. Go to a yoga class if you normally run, join a random art workshop, or learn to cook an actual meal (mac and cheese counts). Bonus points if you bring a friend with you!
Oh—and maybe don’t overdo it on the caffeine. You don’t have to completely give up your iced coffee habit, but moderation is your friend.
2. Get Mindful (No, You Don’t Have to Meditate for Hours)
Mindfulness sounds kind of fancy, but really, it’s just about paying attention to how you’re feeling and taking a second to breathe. College can be a rollercoaster, so having little ways to center yourself is necessary.
Try this: when you’re feeling stressed, close your eyes and take five deep breaths. Sounds simple, but it helps. If you’re into meditation, give it a shot—even five minutes on a free app like Insight Timer or Headspace can make a difference. If this seems weird and like you just don’t know how to do this, talk to someone. Reach out to a counselor or a therapist like Evolve Counseling in Fort Collins for guidance on how to do this and other techniques.
And watch how you talk to yourself. Would you say “You’re such a failure” to your best friend? No? Then don’t say it to yourself either. Give yourself some grace. You’re doing your best.
3. Find Your People
College is the time to make new friends. Whether it’s your roommate, classmates, or someone you randomly meet in class, putting yourself out there can be a little scary, but it’s worth it. And especially in college, where these people often become lifelong friends. Trust me, we all need people in our corner.
Humans aren’t built to go it alone. We as humans are wired for connection. Having a solid support system—whether it’s a big group or just one or two close friends—can completely change how you experience college. On those days when you’re stressed about exams or feeling homesick, having someone to talk to (or grab late-night tacos with) makes life feel lighter. Sometimes you need someone who gets what you’re going through, can listen, make you laugh, or just be there.
So, make the effort to connect. Join clubs, go to campus events (bonus: there’s usually free food), and start up conversations—even if it feels awkward at first. Not every chat will turn into a deep friendship, but some will. And those friendships will make the hard days easier, the fun days even better, and give you a crew to lean on when you need it most. We all need our people, and college is one of the best times to find them.
4. Balance Is Everything
College throws a lot at you—classes, work, social stuff, and you’re supposed to sleep and eat somewhere in there? It’s easy to feel like you’re either doing too much or not enough. That’s why finding a balance is so important, and having a consistent daily structure can make a huge difference. There is no need to map out every minute, but having a loose routine helps you feel less scattered and more in control.
Start by keeping the basics steady: wake up and go to bed around the same time most days, carve out blocks of time for studying, meals, and downtime, and stick to it as much as you can. It might sound boring, but knowing what your day roughly looks like keeps stress levels low and makes it easier to stay on top of things. Plus, you won’t feel guilty taking it when you’ve already planned time for fun—whether it’s a walk, movie night, or a chill coffee break.
A little structure also helps you avoid last-minute panics. Instead of cramming or pulling an all-nighter, you’ll find yourself getting things done with less stress. And when life feels balanced, you’ll have more energy to enjoy the stuff you actually want to do. Work hard, play hard, but keep it steady—that’s the real secret.
5. Get (and Stay) Organized
No one’s saying you need to have a perfectly color-coded planner with matching pens (unless that makes you happy—then go for it!). But staying even a little organized can seriously save your sanity when college life feels overwhelming.
Start simple. Use a calendar—whether it’s digital, paper, or a sticky note on your wall—to keep track of due dates, exams, work shifts, and social plans. Setting reminders on your phone can also be a lifesaver, especially when juggling multiple deadlines. And instead of letting assignments pile up until you’re stuck pulling an all-nighter, try breaking them down into smaller tasks. Knock them out piece by piece, and it won’t feel nearly as stressful.
And hey, don’t forget about the everyday stuff. Staying on top of laundry, dishes, and bills might not be the most exciting part of college, but it makes a huge difference. When your space is clean (or at least not a disaster zone), your brain feels a little less cluttered too. A little organization in your day-to-day life gives you more room to relax, focus, and enjoy the things that matter.
6. Stay Positive (Even When It’s Tough)
Let’s be real—some days are just plain meh. That’s totally normal. But when those days hit, try to focus on the little wins. Got an A on a quiz? Celebrate it! Finally figured out how to work the laundry machines without flooding the place? Heck yes—that’s a victory! The small stuff matters more than you think, and recognizing those moments can keep your spirits up.
And positivity isn’t just about how you talk to yourself—it’s also about who you surround yourself with. Stick with people who lift you up, not the ones who constantly complain or bring drama into your life. Roommates can make a huge difference, too. If you get to choose who you live with, be picky! Set boundaries, have clear expectations, and don’t be afraid to speak up if something’s not working for you. A positive home environment makes everything easier, especially when you’re sharing space for months (or years).
Speaking of home—make your space feel like home. Even if it’s a tiny dorm room, you can make it cozy. Hang up pictures that make you smile, grab a few pillows or blankets you love, and open a window to let some light and fresh air in. A space that feels safe and comfortable gives you a place to recharge after long days. You’re learning, growing, and figuring life out. Give yourself credit for how far you’ve come.
Need a Little Extra Support?
If college life is feeling a bit overwhelming and you want someone to talk to, we’re here for you. At Evolve Counseling Services, our therapists, Lindsey Phillips, LPC, and Ben Smith, LPC, specialize in helping university students figure things out—whether that’s managing stress, dealing with anxiety, or just finding more balance.
We work with students in Fort Collins (go Rams!) and offer online therapy across Colorado so that you can chat with us from your dorm or favorite coffee shop.
Reach out and let’s talk about how we can help you feel more like you.
