As students prepare to return to campus, many are experiencing a range of emotions from excitement to anxiety. According to Smita Majumdar Das, executive director of Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and Behavioral Health at Stony Brook University, it is common for students to feel anxious as they start a new academic year.
“You are entering a new phase of your life, so you will be anxious, and being anxious is not wrong. That is what life is about,” said Majumdar Das.
Majumdar Das explained that much of the anxiety experienced by new or transfer students comes from entering unfamiliar territory. She suggested that preparation can help reduce unnecessary stress.
“The number one step of managing anxiety of any kind is preparation,” she said. “Having a mental map of your day eases anxiety and eases that first week.”
She emphasized the importance of organization for both new and returning students. Reviewing syllabi and using them as guides can help manage time effectively throughout the semester.
“That is like that is your guidebook for how your semester will look. So again, organize yourself when you get a syllabus, read it and compare it to your others. That way, it will help with time management and scheduling,” she said. “I think that’s the number one reason for people really having a lot of issues in college — they just don’t know how to organize because nobody told them how to do it.”
Majumdar Das also advised students to become familiar with available campus resources early on. Knowing where to find support services such as mental health counseling, tutoring, or IT assistance before needing them can help ease anxiety.
“Know your resource, or the three or four resources that you anticipate needing to use. Do your research. So when you need them, you’re not trying to find information; you already have it in your back pocket. This reduces anxiety even further,” Majumdar Das added.
Stony Brook University provides spaces like the Meditation Room and Sensory Rooms for students seeking quiet time or sensory-friendly environments during stressful moments. The Center for Prevention and Outreach (CPO) and Student Accessibility Support Center (SASC) offer workshops on topics such as time management and anxiety management throughout the semester.
Students who need additional support are encouraged to contact Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) or TimelyCare.
— Emily Cappiello