Support for Undergraduate Students
Starting college is exciting, but getting used to campus life can be a challenge. You may have more responsibilities now, which can impact your mood and mental health.
The University of Michigan has many resources to help you succeed. The Well-being Collective Tools & Resources is a good place to begin exploring what’s available.
Managing your mental health in college
We know undergrad can be tough. Managing your mental health while staying on top of your academics can be difficult. Taking care of your mental well-being is an important part of caring for yourself. Talking to a professional is a good first step.
Talk to a mental health professional
If you are struggling, it is important that you tell someone about your symptoms.
Counseling and Psychological Services provides free counseling services for enrolled U-M students. In a counseling session, you can share your worries with a trained expert. It’s a safe, friendly, and culturally aware space.
Don’t get discouraged if there is a long wait time for an appointment. You can always speak with a CAPS Counselor-on-Duty (734-764-8312) for urgent matters. You can also find free support options to help manage your mood as you wait for your appointment.
If you're not connecting with your counselor, speak up. Talk to them about it or ask to see someone else. For treatment to work, you need to feel comfortable sharing information. Some people find that it takes a few tries to find the provider that is the right fit.
Stories from your peers
If you are struggling, you are not alone. Mental health challenges can feel isolating. Hear the real stories of U-M students, just like you, who have overcome some of these challenges:
- Maddi, whose chronic anxiety was complicated by the weight of her queer identity. | Watch Maddi's story
- Tommy, whose transition from the military to civilian life left him feeling isolated and misunderstood. | Watch Tommy's story
- Isabella, who wandered down a self-destructive path, was fueled by stress and compounded by the stigma she felt from her community. | Watch Isabella's story
- Zac, who turned to substance abuse as a coping mechanism for his grief, struggled to stay sober. | Watch Zac's story
Finding community
It’s easy to feel alone on a big campus, but there are many ways to find people who share your interests, experiences and background.
Connect with students with similar interests and backgrounds
Comprehensive Studies Program: The Comprehensive Studies Program (CSP) gives academic support and builds a community. Mentors offer holistic help to ensure students thrive.
Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs (MESA): MESA offers support and programs. It focuses on celebrations, education, and community building. This is done through the lens of race and ethnicity. Anyone interested in learning more about issues affecting different communities is welcome.
Trotter Multicultural Center: Trotter is a welcoming campus space. It provides office space for student groups and hosts events. These activities support students from all backgrounds.
Spectrum Center: The Spectrum Center is the first-ever campus gender and sexuality resource center. They offer education, research and community building, and serve as a hub for anyone interested in social justice and equity.
Veterans and Military Services Program: The Veterans and Military Services Program (VMS) at the University of Michigan supports military-connected students in their transition and success at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.
Student Organizations: The University of Michigan is home to over 1600 student organizations. Organizations connect people who share similar backgrounds, cultures, interests, and experiences. They are also an opportunity to learn about and connect with people with experiences different from your own. Check out Maize Pages and filter by your interests to learn more or find an organization.
The Office of Student Life offers many ways to connect with students on campus. Check out their list of ways to meet new people who share your interests.
Connect with students in your program. They probably share similar professional or academic interests. This can be a good starting point in connecting with others who may seem different from you at first. Another great way to find others who share your interests is to explore the student organizations available within your program.
Thriving on campus
Everyone’s journey to college is different. Whether you’re a traditional student or took another path, we have resources to help you succeed at Michigan.
Balancing schoolwork with other responsibilities can be stressful. Our Preparing for College guide has tips for doing well in class and in your social life. The guide covers:
- Academic demands
- Social relationships
- Independent living
- Staying healthy
- Talking to others about your mental illness
Parenting as a college student
Parenting is already a big job, and being a student can make it even harder to balance everything. It’s important to find a healthy balance between school, family, and your own needs. Connecting with other student parents and using campus resources can help. Having a support network can make things a little easier.
If you are a student parent, here are some resources from U-M to support you during your time on campus:
- Child and Family Care helps the U-M community find resources for achieving a work-life balance. It includes tools and support for parents.
- The Students Caregivers website offers details on:
- Childcare
- Financial resources
- Social support
- Health clinics
- Insurance options
Need more support?
The University of Michigan has many resources available to help you manage your mental health and well-being.