The transition toolkit: Easing the shift from school to university life

By Sunita Makhijani, Cohort of 2025, SIAS Biology major, Psychology minor  Peer Support Volunteer 2024 – 25

Transitioning from the structure of school to the independence of university life is a rollercoaster of emotions. As someone who’s been through it, I can tell you it’s a mix of excitement, uncertainty and learning. But, with a little self-awareness and adaptability, it can also be one of the most transformative phases of your life. Here’s what worked for me — and might help you too.

Transitioning from the structure of school to the independence of university life is a rollercoaster of emotions. As someone who’s been through it, I can tell you it’s a mix of excitement, uncertainty and learning. But, with a little self-awareness and adaptability, it can also be one of the most transformative phases of your life. Here’s what worked for me — and might help you too.

Ride the emotional rollercoaster

Moving to college is a big deal. New city, unfamiliar faces, different weather, food and an entirely new routine — there’s a lot happening. It’s okay to feel confused, homesick or overwhelmed. I’ve learned that bottling up emotions only makes things harder. Instead, accept them. Let yourself feel what you’re feeling. This adjustment isn’t a weakness — it’s part of growth. Give yourself the space to adapt, one step at a time.

Keep expectations in check

Before I started college, I had all these ideas of what it would be like. I thought I’d instantly find my crew, ace everything and love every moment. Spoiler alert: it didn’t happen that way. When things didn’t match up to those expectations, I felt like something was wrong with me. Looking back, I realise I wasn’t alone — so many of us go through this. If you’re feeling the same, remind yourself: it’s okay not to have everything figured out. You’re in good company.

Stay open to new adventures

College isn’t just about academics — it’s about discovering new sides of yourself. I remember starting out without my usual friends or leadership roles from school. It was unsettling at first, but eventually, I saw it as an opportunity. Take things day by day, reflect on what feels right, and give yourself time to settle in. Try new things, even if they feel uncomfortable at first — you never know what might stick.

Be patient with the process

Independence is one of the best parts of college, but it takes work. Managing money, cooking and balancing responsibilities doesn’t come naturally to everyone. Start small — try tracking your spending for a week or cooking a simple meal. It’s not about getting everything perfect; it’s about learning from what doesn’t work. I’ve burned food and overspent more times than I’d like to admit, but those mistakes helped me grow. Trial and error is your best friend here.

Discover your tribe

Feeling like you belong is so important. Look for clubs or groups that resonate with your interests, or if you want, create your own opportunity. One of the most interesting things about college is the freedom to start something new. If there’s a club or project you wish existed, why not pitch the idea and gather like-minded people to make it happen? Building connections takes time, but it’s worth the effort.

Structure your freedom

College freedom is a blessing and a curse — it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Setting up a basic routine can help you find balance. Apps like Notion or Google Calendar are lifesavers for keeping track of tasks and deadlines. If you’re a pen-and-paper kind of person, try a bullet journal. And remember, it’s okay to tweak your schedule as you go. Life isn’t a straight line; adapt as needed.

Pause, reflect and learn

When things feel chaotic, step back and gather your thoughts. Writing things down has been a game-changer for me. Whenever I’ve felt like too much is happening all at once, putting it on paper makes the chaos feel more manageable. Over time, keeping track of my ups and downs helped me understand my patterns and what works for me. Whether it’s journaling, meditating, or just chatting with someone, reflection helps you see the bigger picture.

Lean on support when you need it

You’re not alone in this journey. Most universities have counselling centres, peer mentors, or support groups. Use them. At Krea, I found that talking to a counsellor or peer volunteer wasn’t just about solving problems — it was about having someone listen. Don’t wait for a crisis to reach out. Think of these resources as a safety net for when things feel a little too much.

College is a mix of challenges and wins. It’s a chance to grow, make mistakes and find yourself. The key? Patience, self-compassion and staying open to change. Embrace the journey — it’s worth it.