Preparation

Moving from school to College or moving from another setting can be a big transition process. It can bring about new and exciting opportunities, mixed with some hesitations.

Joining us is a fresh start and a new beginning. We know from experience that an effective transition needs the following things.

• Communication
  
  We will make sure we send relevant details to you, but it is also important that you contact us and ask if you need anything, or if you have any questions or concerns.

• Planning
  
  It is important to be ready for your first day on campus. Ensure you are aware of any course requirements. This can include knowing the actual day you start, what time you need to be there for and any specific equipment you will need too.

We know and understand that this can be a time of change.

These short videos provide some insight into coping with change.

We wanted to provide you with some information on how to deal with life transitions. The below tips are from psychologist, Anna Womack.

You might find some of the information provided useful to support you.

• Prepare (when you can)
  
  When possible, try to prepare for your transition. This may involve outlining a plan for the logistics of your transition — or just setting a helpful mindset.

• Set reasonable expectations
  
  Unmet expectations can create frustration or stress. If you expect that navigating a transition will just be “a breeze,” and it doesn’t work out that way, you may find yourself feeling disappointed. Instead, try to set the reasonable expectation that you will likely feel stressed and overwhelmed at times. It’s also helpful to remember that feeling stressed during transitions is completely normal.

• Develop a routine
  
  Establishing a routine can help you adjust to a transition. Consider creating morning and evening routines to facilitate a sense of consistency. Regular sleep and wake times, a daily walk, meditation, or intention-setting for the day can be great additions to your routine.

• Check your self-talk
  
  What types of things are you saying to yourself? Are these internal comments helping you cope with this transition or making the transition more challenging? One way to develop helpful self-talk is to recall transitions (or other difficult situations) you’ve successfully coped with before; they can be a reminder that you can manage this too.

• Set small goals
  
  Instead of trying to fully resolve everything related to your transition, set small feasible goals to take on one at a time. Ask yourself, “What is one small thing I can do right now?” This may include things such as making a doctor’s appointment, or responding to a text from a friend.

• Stay connected
  
  Social support is critical during times of transition. Chatting with a family member or friend can be a way to help your transition feel less lonely.

• Practice self-compassion
  
  Change is difficult. The reality is that you aren’t always going to navigate life transitions perfectly. While these recommendations can be useful in making transitions a bit easier, it is important to also be kind and compassionate to yourself during this time.
  
  Ask yourself, “If my best friend was in this situation, what would I say to them to be supportive?” Then offer that same statement to yourself. If you aren’t sure what you would say, then try this: “It’s okay to feel overwhelmed or stressed when navigating a change in life. I’m just going to do the best I can in this moment.”

• Womack (2021). You can access the full original page by clicking the below link:
  https://www.manhattancbt.com/archives/4288/life-transitions/