Five Tips for College Students to Practice Financial Self-Care

Last updated September 15, 2025

In this article

For many people, talking about or navigating finances can cause anxiety. However, taking the initiative to learn more about money management and how to wisely save and spend can help you practice financial self-care and reduce some of that anxiety. Here are five tips for practicing financial self-care.

Set clear and realistic financial goals

It’s important to have clear financial goals for the future. Whether they’re immediate goals, like saving $15 per week by making coffee at home, or long-term goals, like paying $50 extra per month on your student loans, having something clear and realistic that you want to achieve is key. We recommend setting a small monthly goal first to give you the momentum to tackle a bigger goal the next month!

Be intentional with your money

Knowing when and how to be intentional with your money can prevent you from overspending. We recommend doing three things before buying something you may not need:

  1. Sleep on it! If you give yourself time to think about it more, you may realize you don’t actually want or need it.
  2. Play “Would I rather?” For example: “Would I rather buy this pair of jeans now or save the money for a new phone instead?” This can help you prioritize your long-term goals.
  3. Consider how much use you’ll get out of the item. Can it be used more than once? Is it practical? Does it bring you joy?

If you’re still undecided, try using the value-based spending formula. When you want to buy something, take the cost of that item and divide it by your hourly pay (if you have a job). For example, if your pay is $15 per hour, a $30 pair of jeans is 2 hours of work. Doing this will help you consider how much you actually want or need that item. 

Set aside money for emergencies

Having a “rainy day” fund, or money purposely set aside for emergencies, can lessen your financial burden if something unexpected happens. If you need to get your car fixed or go to the dentist, you can pull from your emergency fund without throwing your budget off. We recommend setting aside 5-10% of your monthly income to go into this fund, whether it’s putting cash in a separate envelope or opening a second checking account. If your employer pays you through direct deposit, ask if you can split your deposit into two accounts (checking and savings), that way a portion of your paycheck can be deposited into your savings account without even thinking about it. It may not seem like a lot at first, but it could make a big difference in the future!

Budget for expenses that make you happy

Financial self-care doesn’t have to be all about saving! Treating yourself to something every once in a while is a great way to stay motivated. Set aside some fun money each month to spend on something that makes you happy, such as clothes or going out with friends. Use our budgeting guide to learn how to break down your monthly expenses and calculate how much money you could put towards guilt-free spending (we recommend 10% of your monthly income).

Creating a budget for the first time? Check out our budgeting tips here! 

Talk to people about money

When you talk about money with others, you lessen the stigma that surrounds it. Talking about money sounds uncomfortable, but it doesn’t have to be! There’s no shame in confiding in the people you trust about your financial situation and goals. Try partnering with a friend or family member to be your budget buddy. You can both make budgets and compare progress at the end of each month. Having someone to hold you accountable can offer you encouragement to keep going, and make you more likely to achieve your goals!

Do you have any questions about practicing financial self-care? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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Five Tips for Teens to Practice Financial Self-Care

Last updated June 30, 2026

In this article

For many people, talking about or navigating finances can cause anxiety. However, taking the initiative to learn more about money management and how to wisely save and spend can help you practice financial self-care and reduce some of that anxiety. Here are five tips for practicing financial self-care.

Set clear and realistic financial goals

It’s important to have clear financial goals for the future. Whether they’re immediate goals, like saving $15 per week by making coffee at home, or long-term goals, like paying $50 extra per month on your student loans, having something clear and realistic that you want to achieve is key. We recommend setting a small monthly goal first to give you the momentum to tackle a bigger goal the next month!

Be intentional with your money

Knowing when and how to be intentional with your money can prevent you from overspending. We recommend doing three things before buying something you may not need:

  1. Sleep on it! If you give yourself time to think about it more, you may realize you don’t actually want or need it.
  2. Play “Would I rather?” For example: “Would I rather buy this pair of jeans now or save the money for a new phone instead?” This can help you prioritize your long-term goals.
  3. Consider how much use you’ll get out of the item. Can it be used more than once? Is it practical? Does it bring you joy?

If you’re still undecided, try using the value-based spending formula. When you want to buy something, take the cost of that item and divide it by your hourly pay (if you have a job). For example, if your pay is $15 per hour, a $30 pair of jeans is 2 hours of work. Doing this will help you consider how much you actually want or need that item. 

Set aside money for emergencies

Having a “rainy day” fund, or money purposely set aside for emergencies, can lessen your financial burden if something unexpected happens. If you need to get your car fixed or go to the dentist, you can pull from your emergency fund without throwing your budget off. We recommend setting aside 5-10% of your monthly income to go into this fund, whether it’s putting cash in a separate envelope or opening a second checking account. If your employer pays you through direct deposit, ask if you can split your deposit into two accounts (checking and savings), that way a portion of your paycheck can be deposited into your savings account without even thinking about it. It may not seem like a lot at first, but it could make a big difference in the future!

Budget for expenses that make you happy

Financial self-care doesn’t have to be all about saving! Treating yourself to something every once in a while is a great way to stay motivated. Set aside some fun money each month to spend on something that makes you happy, such as clothes or going out with friends. Use our budgeting guide to learn how to break down your monthly expenses and calculate how much money you could put towards guilt-free spending (we recommend 10% of your monthly income).

Creating a budget for the first time? Check out our budgeting tips here! 

Talk to people about money

When you talk about money with others, you lessen the stigma that surrounds it. Talking about money sounds uncomfortable, but it doesn’t have to be! There’s no shame in confiding in the people you trust about your financial situation and goals. Try partnering with a friend or family member to be your budget buddy. You can both make budgets and compare progress at the end of each month. Having someone to hold you accountable can offer you encouragement to keep going, and make you more likely to achieve your goals!

Do you have any questions about practicing financial self-care? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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Writing Prompts to Relieve Stress & Calm Anxiety in College

Last updated June 30, 2026

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Learning to balance school, work, and other commitments can be overwhelming, but journaling can be a helpful tool in relieving some stress and anxiety. Below are several journaling prompts to help you express your thoughts and feelings, spark conversations, boost creativity, and instill gratitude and hope. A journal is a safe space for honest reflection, so as you complete your writing prompts, allow yourself to express your emotions freely!

A women sitting on a rock outside writing in a journal - Writing Prompts to Relieve Stress & Calm Anxiety

Balancing school, work, and more

  1. Reflect on how you currently manage your time between things like school, work, and extracurricular activities. Are there any areas where you feel overwhelmed or stretched thin? 
  2. What activities or responsibilities can you let go of to better balance your commitments?
  3. How do you make sure to take care of yourself while juggling multiple commitments? What are some ways you can make time for relaxation and things you enjoy?
  4. Do you struggle with saying no or asking for help? How can you set boundaries with others to avoid feeling overwhelmed or burnt out?
  5. Are the activities you’re involved in aligned with your interests and passions? How can you make sure your commitments reflect what truly excites and inspires you?

Coping with stress and anxiety

  1. Reflect on a recent stressful or anxiety-inducing situation. How did you handle it? Did you find any ways to calm yourself down?
  2. Think about something that helps you feel less stressed or anxious. How does it make you feel better? Can you make time for it regularly?
  3. Consider a recent challenge that made you feel stressed or anxious. Did you learn anything from it?
  4. Identify your biggest stressors right now. How can you deal with or reduce them?
  5. Imagine a calm place. What does it look, smell, feel, or sound like? How does it make you feel? How can you bring elements of that into your daily life to reduce stress?

Social justice

  1. What social justice issues are you passionate about or would like to learn more about and why?
  2. Who are the people you look to and learn from right now? 
  3. If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be and why?
  4. If you had the opportunity to speak with your elected officials (mayor, governor, senator, or president), what questions would you ask?

Gratitude, inspiration, and hope

  1. What gives you hope?
  2. Make a list of five things you feel grateful for right now.
  3. What is the best advice that you have ever received from someone?
  4. Who are your heroes and what do you admire about them?
  5. Make a list of 10 things you have seen, read, or heard that made you smile, laugh, or cry.
  6. What personal achievements are you most proud of and why?
  7. What are the top five songs you are listening to right now? How do they make you feel?

Do you have any questions about journaling? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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​Learning How To Say “No” As Self Care in College

Last updated June 30, 2026

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A crucial part of self-care is being able to set aside time for yourself. With a regular rhythm, it’s important to be able to hold space for yourself and say no to any of the responsibilities you may have, like school, spending time with friends and family, or work. Doing so will allow you the necessary time to relax, decompress, and fill up your own cup.

We’ll show you how to politely and confidently say no when you need to, and how to create and sustain healthy boundaries with the people you care about.

Why is saying “no” important?

  1. If you’re overextending yourself, saying no is the best way to regain control of your life.
  2. Saying yes to everything can lead to burnout. If you’re burnt out, it’s hard to be the best version of yourself, produce your best work, be the best friend you can be, or get the grades you want in classes.
  3. You gain confidence when you start saying no. The first time is always the hardest, but you’ll find the control you gain is priceless.
  4. You deserve rest and time for yourself!

How to say “no”

Say it early!

The longer you wait to express your boundaries, the more uncomfortable it becomes for the person asking something of you to hear it. Whether you can’t pick up an extra shift at work, make it to lunch with your friend, or just need some alone time, it’s important to say no ASAP. This gives both you and the other person more time to readjust and make new plans that work best with your schedules.

Be honest

Setting boundaries for yourself and saying no to things you don’t want to do or don’t have the time or capacity to do can go a long way with the people you care about. Being honest about the things you have going on is a valuable life skill, and can better help the people in your life understand what’s on your plate. Lying about why you can’t commit to plans can cause avoidable drama and stress down the road, so it’s better to always be honest. Life can be chaotic sometimes, and needing time for yourself is not a reflection of personal failure or disrespect toward the person asking something of you!

Just remember to be respectful when saying no to anyone. People might not be aware of your boundaries until you express them, so take a moment to check that the message you want to send is kind and clear.

Suggest an alternative

Setting boundaries or asking for help can look different based on who you’re communicating with. If friends want to make plans that don’t work for you, try offering a different time or activity. If you’re feeling overwhelmed in school, try asking an educator for a slightly extended deadline. Suggesting alternatives is the best way to demonstrate respect for yourself and for the person who might want/need something from you.

Looking for more ways to practice self-care? Check out these free mental health resources for young people and other self-care content!  

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Why Being Assertive & Advocating for Yourself Matters in College

Last updated June 30, 2026

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As you transition into adulthood, learning to stand up for yourself and your needs becomes essential. In college and at work, you may face situations where no one else will step in for you. Navigating these situations requires self-advocacy and assertiveness, two essential life skills. In this article, we share why being assertive and advocating for yourself matters in work, school, and life!

What is Assertiveness? 

When someone is assertive, they are expressing themselves in an honest, respectful, and confident way. This could mean setting boundaries, saying no, or asking for what they need in all types of situations. Practicing being assertive when needed can boost your confidence and help you manage stress at work, school, and in life. 

How to Practice Being More Assertive

Here are some strategies to help you practice your assertiveness:

  • Pay attention to what you think, feel, and want. You need to be aware of these things before you can communicate them to others!
  • Notice if you say “I don’t know,” “I don’t care,” or “it doesn’t matter” when someone asks what you want. Stop yourself. Instead, practice saying what you prefer, especially on things that don’t matter as much, like picking a place to eat or study at.
  • Practice asking for things. This can be big and small things, like asking a friend to reschedule your plans if you need some alone time or asking for a day off from work if you’re not feeling well.
  • Give your opinion. For example, tell someone whether or not you liked a movie you saw and why.
  • Practice using “I” statements such as: “I’d like…” “I prefer…” or “I feel…”
  • Respectfully correct someone. For example, if your barista makes you the wrong drink, try kindly and respectfully calling out the error and asking for what you actually ordered. 

What is Self-Advocacy? 

Self-advocacy and assertiveness go hand in hand. While assertiveness is a communication skill, self-advocacy is about expressing your needs and standing up for yourself when necessary. It’s not about being pushy, but having the confidence to ask for what you need in a respectful way. It can feel uncomfortable to advocate for yourself at first, but it’s a necessary part of building confidence and taking control of your future. 

How to Practice Self-Advocacy

When decisions are being made that directly affect you, it’s your right to speak up! We totally get that this can feel embarrassing and vulnerable for some people. It’s not always easy to speak up for yourself, especially if there’s a chance that it could start conflict or potentially hurt someone’s feelings. However, it’s important that we say it again: advocating for yourself and asking for what you need are essential life skills. There will be many situations throughout your life that test you and push your limits. It’s in these situations where knowing how to talk about what feels uncomfortable and what you need will make all the difference. You’re worth the effort! 

With this in mind, here are some practical ways you can start advocating for yourself:

Academic Challenges

If you’re struggling with a grade you received and need some extra academic support, take action! If you’re in college, visit your professor’s office hours to ask questions about things you don’t understand or make an appointment with a tutor in the learning center to study for an upcoming exam. Your academic success is in your hands!

Accommodations at Work and School

If you have unique learning needs or face academic challenges due to a disability, don’t hesitate to request accommodations. If you have a disability, you are legally entitled to reasonable academic accommodations in college, but you must start the process to receive them. Whether you need extra time to take exams or access to an assisted listening device, requesting accommodations is a form of advocating for yourself that ensures you have an even playing field to succeed academically.

You have legal rights and protections as an employee at work, too. If you need reasonable accommodations at your job, be sure to ask for them. Again: you must start the process to receive them. You deserve to have your needs met to succeed at the job! 

Financial Aid

Looking for financial aid to pay for college is a form of self-advocacy! Taking the time to complete a change in circumstances form if you don’t receive enough aid from your school or working with your financial aid office to set a tuition payment plan are forms of taking action in your best interest. Being your own advocate when it comes to your education and finances is essential!

Mental and Emotional

Navigating challenges with support is a sign of strength, not weakness! Your mental well-being affects every other part of your life, so take the initiative to find mental health support and practice self-care when you need it. When you’re happy and healthy, it makes other parts of life easier and more manageable! 

Do you have any questions? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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When & How to Ask For Help as a College Student

Last updated June 30, 2026

In this article

Everyone needs help now and then! Whether you’re struggling in a class, need some extra time to take care of tasks at work, or feel overwhelmed by family responsibilities, it’s completely okay to ask for help when you need it. This can feel intimidating, but knowing when and how to ask for help is a valuable life skill that can benefit you for years to come. Here are some tips for recognizing when you need help and how to ask for it!

A teacher helps students in a classroom - When & How to Ask For Help

If you need academic support

If you’re having difficulty understanding something in a class, are overwhelmed with your course load, or just need some extra academic support, reach out to your educator. You can email them, attend office hours (if you’re in college), or schedule a meeting with them to ask for support. It’s helpful to be specific about the concerns or questions you have so they can help you to the best of their ability.

If you’re struggling or need extra support at work

Working any job comes with its stress, but it’s important to receive support when needed. If you’re having trouble prioritizing tasks at work, need extra time or help understanding how to take care of your work responsibilities, or are struggling to juggle work with outside responsibilities such as school, talk to your manager or supervisor as soon as possible. You can schedule a meeting with them, email them, or raise any concerns in check-ins with them. Be specific about what you need support with, what pain points you’re coming across, and how they can help. They can help you prioritize tasks, potentially make changes to your schedule, and offer tips and solutions to issues you come across. If needed, you may also consider looping in the HR department to ensure you are receiving the support you need.

If you need mental or emotional support

Your mental and emotional well-being comes before anything else. If you are struggling or need mental and emotional support, we recommend talking to a professional who will listen without judgment. If you’re in college, your school most likely has a counseling center where students can talk to a mental health professional for free. If you’re not in college, there are many free and low-cost mental health resources that can provide support.

In addition to talking to a mental health professional, we recommend (only if it feels safe to do so) being open and honest with the people in your life when you’re in need of help. This is especially important if you are a minor or are in college, since seeking professional mental health services may require things like health insurance information or parental consent. 

If you’re struggling to juggle family responsibilities with other responsibilities

As you begin to take on more academically, professionally, and socially, it may be hard to balance those responsibilities with your responsibilities at home. If your family depends on you for help, it can feel intimidating to set boundaries or be vocal about what you need, but it is very necessary for your well-being. If you feel stressed or overwhelmed about juggling your responsibilities, talk to someone in your family. Be open and honest about your commitments, what feels hard to balance, and what support you need. A family member may be able to take something off your plate or offer advice or support to help you take care of your responsibilities. Talking to family can be tricky, so we recommend checking in with a trusted friend or adult in your life about how you want to approach the situation.

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Social Media for College Students: Pros & Cons, Taking Breaks, & Finding Balance

Last updated June 30, 2026

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Social media has changed the way that many people live their lives, as it’s evolved from a means of communication into a source of entertainment, advertising, and social awareness. While social media can be a positive tool used for good, it can also lead us to feel insecure, anxious, and disconnected. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of social media, as well as how to know it’s time to take a step back for your mental well-being. 

A woman rests her head on her couch and scrolls on her phone - Social Media: Pros & Cons, Taking Breaks, & Finding Balance

Pros of Social Media 

Social media serves as a powerful tool for connection, information sharing, and community building. When used with care and intention, social media can teach people new things, connect them with new ideas and worldviews, and help them stay in touch with loved ones.

Healthy social media use means balance. It’s when social media adds something positive to your life like connection, creativity, entertainment, without taking over your time, mood, or self-worth. A healthy relationship with social media leaves room for sleep, school, hobbies, and real-life relationships, and it doesn’t make you feel anxious, pressured, or worse about yourself after scrolling. 

Cons of Social Media

Social media can be distracting, anxiety-inducing, and lead people to feel disconnected from their surroundings. Excessive social media use can also take a toll on a person’s self-esteem, since these platforms are designed to display only the best parts of a person’s life. Social media can also be a tool that fuels cyberbulling, which can have severe consequences on a person’s mental health and well-being. While this can sound scary, identifying and understanding the potential harms of social media use can help you build a healthier and more stable relationship with it. 

How Social Media Can Affect Teens Differently

Brain Development and Attention
Teen brains are still developing, especially in areas related to focus, impulse control, and decision-making. Constant notifications and fast-paced content can make it harder to concentrate, sit with boredom, or stay engaged in offline tasks like studying or reading.

Identity Formation
Teen years are a major time for figuring out who you are. Social media can influence how teens see themselves by promoting comparison, trends, and unrealistic standards. While it can help teens explore interests and find communities, it can also make self-worth feel tied to likes, follows, or online approval.

Peer Pressure and Validation
Social media can intensify peer pressure by making popularity and social status visible and measurable. Seeing others’ highlight reels may create pressure to look, act, or live a certain way, which can increase stress, fear of missing out, or the need for constant validation.

Signs You Need a Social Media Break

You compare yourself to other people

If you feel you are constantly comparing yourself to others based on the image that they present of themselves online, it may be time to take a step back from social media for a while. There will never be anyone like you—don’t spend valuable time comparing yourself to others!

You have a hard time forming your own opinions

It can be easy to form opinions about current events trending on social media, even if we don’t have all the facts. Taking some time away from your screen will give you more space to think for yourself and form your own opinions, instead of being bombarded with other people’s opinions online.

Prioritizing other things feels difficult

Social media is literally designed to capture as much of our attention as possible. This can make doing more important things feel difficult. Try stepping away every so often for an hour at a time to focus on other activities that make you happy.

You feel disconnected from your loved ones

Social media is a world of its own, but it’s not the one you live in. It can create a divide between you and your loved ones, and may leave you feeling out of touch with what’s happening around you. Try checking in with your loved ones more often outside of social media to connect in a more personal way.

You find yourself “doomscrolling”

Doomscrolling is the act of endlessly scrolling through negative or distressing content online, often related to current events. Constant exposure to negative news can lead to anxiety, stress, and a sense of hopelessness. Limit your time spent doomscrolling by closing social media apps when you come across content or news that overwhelms you.

Finding Balance 

Here are some tips to find balance in your social media use:

  • Set boundaries. Establish clear time limits for social media use and stick to them. This can help you use these platforms in a way that enhances your life, rather than dominates it. 
  • Curate your feeds. You have a say in what you see online! Take some time to curate your social media feeds by unfollowing any accounts that share content that distresses you or makes you feel insecure. 
  • Prioritize real-life connections: Consider looking for ways to engage with your friends and loved ones without screens present. For example, if you FaceTime your friend every night, try swapping out one of those evenings a week with in-person time spent doing your favorite activity together. 
  • Take breaks. Stepping away from social media doesn’t mean saying goodbye forever! An intentional pause every now and then can boost your mental health, self-confidence, and focus.  
  • Seek professional help: If concerns about mental health arise, don’t hesitate to seek professional support

A Few More Tips on How to Break From Social Media

Deleting Apps Temporarily
Removing social media apps from your phone—even for a few days—can reduce the urge to scroll automatically. You don’t have to delete your accounts; just creating distance can help reset habits and make social media feel more intentional when you return.

Turning Off Notifications
Notifications are designed to pull your attention back to apps. Turning them off lets you check social media on your own terms instead of reacting every time your phone buzzes, which can lower stress and improve focus.

Setting App Limits
Many phones allow you to set daily time limits for specific apps. These limits help you notice how much time you’re actually spending online and encourage more mindful use without needing to quit completely.

Telling Friends You’re Taking a Break
Letting friends know you’re stepping back can reduce pressure to reply instantly or stay constantly online. It also helps normalize breaks, reminds others and yourself that it’s okay to prioritize mental health over being available 24/7.

Have any tips for taking a social media break that you think we should share? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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How to Use Social Media Responsibly in College

Last updated June 30, 2026

In this article

Social media is a powerful tool that can help you connect with others, learn new things, expand your perspectives, and explore your identity. However, if not used thoughtfully and intentionally, social media can have disadvantages and even lead to negative consequences. In this article, we share some helpful tips on how to use social media responsibly!

Think twice before posting

You may be familiar with the term “digital footprint,” but what does it mean? Put simply, your digital footprint is the history of your internet use. The things you post, like, share, and comment on are all a part of your digital footprint and can be seen by others both now and in the future. Before posting online, consider what you want your digital footprint to look like now and 10 years from now.

It’s especially important to be mindful of your digital footprint when considering college and careers. If you’re applying to a school or for a job, it’s generally safe to assume that both will look you up online. Before posting, consider what you want to be known about you online. If you want something to be private, don’t post it.

Remember that nothing is private online

It’s important to remember how public the internet really is. Once something is posted, it can be difficult to completely erase it. The post might still live somewhere online, or someone may have taken a screenshot of it. Unfortunately, privacy isn’t always guaranteed online. 

To protect yourself, be careful when accepting friend or follower requests from people you don’t know, and avoid sharing personal information. For example, you shouldn’t post a TikTok in your school uniform in front of your house. This video alone can lead strangers to learn multiple things about you in one post. 

Digital privacy also begins when you create a social media account. Different platforms may store and handle your personal data (such as your last name, location, birthday, etc.) differently, so be sure to read about their terms and conditions before signing up. Generally, it’s also best to only share personal data with these platforms that you’re comfortable being known.  

Be in control of the content you see 

What you see online is just as important as what you post! Take a few minutes to go through your YouTube subscriptions or your For You page on TikTok. Consider how what you see makes you feel. Does the content you see regularly have any impact on your mental health and well-being? If you’re being recommended accounts that spread false news, bully others, make you feel bad about yourself, or are trying to sell you something you don’t want, don’t be afraid to hit the unfollow or block button. Social media should be fun, so stick to accounts that bring you joy and add value to your life!

Know when to take social media breaks 

It’s okay to take a social media break every now and then! These breaks can be great for your mental health, giving your mind a chance to rest and reset. If you find it difficult to stay offline, consider setting time limits on apps or using website blockers to help reduce your screen time. Taking these steps can help you find a healthier balance with technology and improve your overall well-being.

Do you have any questions about using social media responsibly? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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How to Combat Imposter Phenomenon in College

Last updated June 30, 2026

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If you’ve accomplished something big but still find yourself doubting your abilities, it’s important to know that this is a totally normal feeling! When you experience imposter phenomenon (also known as imposter syndrome), you doubt yourself, your capabilities, or maybe even your self-worth.

As disheartening as these feelings are, they are common, and there are tools to combat them and remind yourself that you deserve everything you have and that your presence in every space matters. Here are a few tips to combat imposter phenomenon and gain some self-confidence!

Ask for help

Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. Reach out to your bosses, coworkers, or professors when you need a helping hand or reassurance. Not only will their guidance give you more confidence in school and work, but it will highlight your dedication and value to what you do.

Build your self-confidence

This is easier said than done and will take practice over time. The more confident you are in yourself and your abilities, the easier it is to feel valued in your work and studies. Learn more about building self-confidence!

Take time to reflect

Imposter phenomenon can weigh heavily on your mind and body, so it’s important to remember to take time for yourself to reflect on your experiences and feelings. This practice isn’t easy, but can give you more clarity in understanding these feelings. We recommend taking time to meditate, journal, or use free mental health resources.

We’re here to support you as you continue to grow and thrive. Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor if you have any questions or need support.

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How to Build Self-Confidence as a College Student

Last updated June 30, 2026

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Self-confidence means trusting and loving yourself while knowing you can achieve your goals. Like our emotions, confidence can go up and down based on our daily actions. Taking care of yourself, exercising, socializing, and working towards your goals all help build confidence, while neglecting these can lower it. In this article, we’ll share practical tips for building self-confidence!

Hands in a circle touching - How To Build Self-Confidence

Advocate for yourself

You are your strongest advocate. If someone mistreats you, speaks down to you, or puts you in uncomfortable situations, you have every right to stick up for yourself! This can feel uncomfortable and even a little overwhelming at first, but it’s essential. It’s important to note that standing up for yourself doesn’t always have to mean defending yourself from mistreatment. It can also mean advocating for your talents–like asking for a raise or more responsibility at work. The more you advocate for yourself, the more you show others (and yourself) that you are confident, capable, and that you belong.

Learn how to say no

“No” is a complete sentence! While pushing yourself out of your comfort zone occasionally is necessary for growth, you can say no to things that take up too much time or leave you feeling burnt out. Prioritizing yourself and your goals will not only set you up for success, but help you feel more confident in continuing to set necessary boundaries over time.

Combat imposter phenomenon 

Imposter phenomenon, the experience of doubting our abilities, intelligence, or self-worth, can have negative impacts on our self-confidence. Everyone experiences imposter phenomenon at one point or another, but it’s important to know how to challenge it. When you find yourself experiencing imposter phenomenon, take some time to think about the root of those feelings. Did something cause you to feel this way, like getting a bad grade on a test or making a mistake at work? Did nothing particularly bad happen, but you’re still feeling like you don’t belong? Once you take the time to find the root of these feelings, a good practice is to challenge them. Pushing back on your imposter phenomenon and reminding yourself that you are worthy of all the good things in your life can burst your bubble of self-doubt and help you feel more grounded. If you need extra reassurance, talk to an educator, coworker, or loved one!

Put yourself out of your comfort zone

When was the last time you did something for the very first time? If you’re having a hard time answering that, you might be due for an adventure outside of your comfort zone. Take some time to consider what stepping out of your comfort zone looks like for you—it might not be the same as anyone else, and that’s okay! For example, if you experience social anxiety, try having small interactions with store clerks or baristas to practice your conversational skills. This is a process, and it’s important to remember to go at your own pace. Over time you’ll build the confidence needed to tackle new hurdles.

Surround yourself with people that uplift you

If there are people in your life that put you down, make you second-guess yourself, or don’t fill your cup, it may be time to reconsider your relationship with them. Surround yourself with a community that cheers you on when you succeed and supports you when you fail. Knowing you have a supportive network on your side can give you the confidence needed to aim higher and reach your goals!

Do you have anything to add to this list? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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