Building a Support System: The Importance of Community in College

Katie McSpadden, LCSW

College can be such an exciting time in life.

You are most likely moving off on your own for the first time, figuring out the routine of your day to day outside of school, and considering what you want to do. This can be a time where your values and goals really solidify and you begin to come into your own.

There has been a decline in a sense of community overall and specifically within colleges since 2020 Covid pandemic and the shift towards online learning.

A sense of belonging and connections are vital parts of wellbeing

Here are a few tips for building a support system in college:

• Find events, clubs, and hobbies that peak your interest

  Join a book club, study group, walking group. Find yoga classes, sororities, groups and clubs related to your major. Nothing is worse than joining structured activity that you hate so make sure to join in on something that sounds fun to you and that you are already passionate about or interested in! This is a great way to explore what you may like to do and also find like-minded people.

  
  

• Look for people in proximity

  Who is around you daily! Look to see if there is someone going to study at the same coffee shop as you, someone you frequently see at the school gym and say hi! The worst thing that can happen is you get rejected and never see the person again. Who lives near you and around you? Make cookies and meet people in your dorm hall. There are people all around you who may also be looking for a friend. I know it is super easy to look down, put in headphones, and mind your own business but even your posture makes a difference in your approachability. Find the people already near you and don't give up!

  
  

• Ask for help and let someone know

  Even just sharing with a neighbor, roommate, classmate, or even a friend at another school can help you feel less isolated and alone. Let someone in to what you are going through. Another huge support in college can be therapy or even a mentor of some kind. Therapy can be a safe space to process this transition and help you feel a little more supported with someone in your corner. A therapist can also help you explore individual options for you if you are feeling isolated. Pursuing your well-being and becoming the healthiest happiest version of yourself can attract not only new experiences but people as well.

  
  

  You were not made to live this life in isolation! One step at a time.