As a student veteran, you may find the transition from military life to college life challenging. Often, student veterans find that they’re coming to school with different life experiences than many of their student peers and that there are different expectations, freedoms, responsibilities, and social interactions compared to what they experienced in the military. It’s not unusual to experience a range of emotions that may include feelings of isolation, loneliness, anxiety or depression. Remember that it takes time! Just as it took time to adjust to military life, it will also take time to adjust to college life. The transition will take similar kinds of adjustments but you will have to take some action on your own. It may feel tough at first, but U-M has many support services and people that are ready and willing to help. Here are some places to start and tips for navigating the university:
- Connect with the Veterans and Military Services Program (VMSP) located in the Office of New Student Programs. The mission of the VMSP is to assist veterans, guardsmen, reservists, and others receiving US military benefits in making a successful transition into the UM community. This program is a great resource whether you’re a new student who has completed your service, a student who interrupted your education to serve and are now returning, or a student who began your studies elsewhere and are transferring to U-M. Staff will help guide you to the resources you need to make the most out of your U-M experience.
- Get involved. With a large student population, U-M has a student organization to match almost any interest. To find a group with similar interests as your own, visit Maize Pages. Also, Festifall or Northfest are large events held each year.
- Consider joining the Student Veterans Council, U-M Veterans’ Network, or Peer Advisors for Veteran Education (P.A.V.E.).
- Graduate student organizations include:
Explore and enjoy all that Ann Arbor has to offer. Though it may be tempting to stay in or go back to your hometown on the weekends, exploring Ann Arbor, with its parks, theaters, museums, coffee shops and restaurants, can be a great way to meet people and learn your way around.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
- CAPS provides free counseling services for enrolled U-M students
- The VA Ann Arbor Health System provides care for veterans
- The United States Department of Veterans Affairs’ National Center for PTSD has information and resources for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
- The Buddy to Buddy program can connect you with another veteran who is trained to help you find resources.
- Explore the Campus Mind Works site to find other mental health and support services as well as helpful management strategies.