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Back-to-School Self-Care for College Students: Your Mental Health Survival Guide
Heading back to college can feel like a whirlwind—new classes, social pressure, late-night study sessions, and trying to eat something other than microwave noodles.
It’s exciting, but can also be a lot. In this post, I’m sharing self-care strategies that helped me stay grounded during the chaos, and hopefully they can help you too.
This post contains affiliate links to some of my favorite products for back to school season.
Self-Care Isn’t Just Face Masks and Lattes
I preach this all the time. A common misconception, and how many people view self care, is that it is cucumbers on your eyes in a warm bath with candles lit. Although this is a great way to pamper yourself, there are other more effective ways to care for yourself while attending college.
Boundaries. Rest. Routines.
Boundaries: Your self care habits don’t have to be expensive or aesthetic. Self care can be 10 minutes between classes, or a mindful walk after dinner. Being able to say no to things that distract you (parties, binging Netflix, scrolling on Tik Tok) and replacing that with and small self care activity can reset your mind and body and help you focus.
Rest: College life is always moving. It’s easy to feel like if you don’t go to every event and study session that you’re missing out. Giving yourself time to relax and recharge alone, goes a long way and is a form of self care.
Routines: Hanging out with friends and going to events is a huge part of college and social life. Having a routine, and schedule can help you to balance out your time. This makes it easier to stay on track with school, self care, and still have fun while in college.
Simple Daily Habits to Protect Your Mental Space
- Morning check-in (How am I feeling?)
Check in on yourself, and plan your day as soon as you wake up. This will help you to feel more organized and assist you in assessing your needs for the day.
- 5-minute meditation
Meditation is the act of thinking deeply and focusing on your own mind. There’s many different types & you can find which one’s best for you easily on youtube! (Ex. 5 minute meditation to relax, 5 minute meditation to start your day, 5 minute meditation for sleep etc).
- Class-day anchor routine (wake-up time, lunch, break, sleep window)
Setting a routine is so important for your mental health. Planning your day on paper or on your phone can make you stay organized and calm your mind.
- Tech boundaries (set app timers, limit doom scrolling)
Technology can help you stick to the schedule you made by setting app times and limiting activities that take away from what you need to do during that day.
Create a Calm Vibe Even in a Tiny Space
Whether you’re living on campus, or at home, your space you spend time in matters. Cluttered space = cluttered mind.
Tips & Tricks:
- Keep your desk clutter-free for mental clarity
- Add a soft lamp or string lights
- Use a calming scent like lavender spray or essential oil
- Listen to focus music while studying
My Faves:
This soft lamp on amazon is inexpensive and calms down my space.
This find has 10k+ purchases and for good reason! Organize your space easily with this desk organizer!
What to Do When You Feel Burned Out Midweek
When you feel burned out, which most college students experience at least once, step outside, drink water, & journal for 5 minutes. This is helped me to gather my thoughts and take a break from the things that were stressing me out.
If you need it, it’s okay to ask for help—RA, counseling center, professor office hours, or even a trusted friend.
Please please please let go of the “do everything perfectly” mindset. We’re all human, and flawed by design. All you can do is your best.
College is full of growth, but it doesn’t have to come at the cost of your mental wellness. Find your people through values, not popularity. Put yourself and your own wellness first every time. Start small, stay kind to yourself, and trust that self-care is just as important as your GPA.
Quick Q&A: Real Talk About College Self-Care
Q: What if I don’t have time for self-care between classes?
A: Honestly, I get it—college days are packed. But self-care doesn’t have to be this big, dramatic thing. Take a few deep breaths while walking to class, stretch while your coffee brews, or just put your phone down for a few minutes and breathe. Small moments add up.
Q: I feel guilty when I rest, like I should be doing something.
A: Same. That guilt is real—but it doesn’t mean it’s right. Rest isn’t being lazy, it’s what helps you keep going. Burnout won’t get your work done either, so let yourself chill without the shame.
Q: I feel super overwhelmed. Where do I even start?
A: Start with one tiny thing. Like… actually drinking water today, or writing out your to-do list so it’s not swirling in your head. Don’t try to fix everything at once—just take one small step to make the day feel a little lighter.
Q: I share a room, how can I even have a self-care space?
A: I hear you. Even a corner can be yours. Try soft lighting, your favorite playlist in headphones, a blanket you love—just anything that makes you feel calm. Your vibe doesn’t have to be big, just yours.
Q: What’s the #1 self-care tip you’d give to college students?
A: Check in with yourself before checking your phone. Seriously. Ask yourself “How am I doing today?” First thing in the morning—it makes a big difference. Everything starts with being honest with you.