Why is counseling important for college students?

Counseling is important for college students because many people experience this time of life as one of the most critical periods of their lives. Going off to college is far more than learning about specific subjects that may impact peoples’ careers. It is a time in people's lives that is marked by a significant transition. Life transitions are important, but they are rarely easy or comfortable. 

Why is college an important life transition? For many, it is the first of many experiences. The first time living on their own and away from home. The first time they may be responsible for taking care of themselves. Perhaps even the first time they have experienced a daily life without any parental rules or expectations.

As great as all this freedom sounds to many, it does come at a cost, which is responsibility. Many college students have never had to be so responsible before for so many things at once. They have classes they need to prepare for, which include tests, essays, and various projects. On top of their academic life, college students often have a part-time job and develop a social life with new friends and various extracurricular activities.

All of this freedom and responsibility can be cumbersome and burdensome for some college students. They may start to feel stressed and overwhelmed by all of these competing expectations for their time. Managing stress is a skill that is often not taught at school or home.

Therefore, counseling becomes important in a college student’s life. A counseling professional can help an overwhelmed college student navigate this important transition. A counselor can help college students process these new changes to understand what is happening in their lives. At the same time, a counseling professional can help a college student set up a stress management plan, even teaching them some stress management tools if necessary.  

A transition like going away to college does not have to be an overly stressful experience. Counseling can help any college student make that transition a positive growth experience. If you are a college student finding that transition difficult, reach out to a professional counselor.