Feeling overwhelmed from midterms? Check out Emily’s list of (realistic) study tips that have helped her stay afloat.

Many students head to college assuming the supports they had in high school will follow them. However, they often don’t. Join us as we interview Elizabeth Hamblet, and discuss accommodations and self-advocacy in college.

Calling all college freshman! Read some tips from a current senior on navigating your first year, and finding your place.

Introducing College is Fine’s new student intern, Emily!

Has much actually changed for college students over the last 80 years? Join us as we interview developmental psychologist, Dr. Alexis Redding.

College athletes train their bodies—but who’s coaching their minds? Explore burnout, self-talk, and mental performance strategies that actually work.

College expert Ali Dorfman shares advice for building a college list, navigating admissions, and supporting students through the college application process.

How can college students handle conflict on campus? Conflict expert Bob Bordone shares strategies for building conflict resilience and navigating difficult conversations.

If last semester didn’t go the way you hoped, take a breath. You’re not broken. You’re not behind. And you’re definitely not the only one.

One of the biggest myths about college is that everyone else has it figured out. In reality, almost everyone struggles at some point—it just shows up in different ways. Some students struggle academically. Others feel socially disconnected. Some look fine on the outside but feel overwhelmed by unstructured time, distractions, or burnout.

The good news? College is a skill set, not a personality trait. And skills can be learned.

Is Your Brain on Shuffle? ADHD, College, and Finding Your Right-Fit Path

with guest Rae Jacobson, host of Hyperfocus and Lead of Insight at Understood.org

If you’re a student with ADHD (or you love one), you’ve probably heard some version of:

“You’re so smart—why can’t you just do better?”

Our guest, writer and ADHD expert Rae Jacobson, has heard that line more times than she can count. In this episode of College Is Fine, Everything’s Fine, Rae joins us to talk honestly about ADHD, learning differences, and what it really takes to thrive in college when your brain does not follow the “default settings.”

Office hours aren’t just for struggling students—they’re your chance to get help, build relationships, and set yourself up for success. Professors hold these hours specifically for you, so you’re never “bothering” them by showing up. Even if you don’t know exactly what to ask, just introducing yourself or discussing general questions can open doors to guidance, mentorship, and future opportunities. First-gen students, shy students, or anyone feeling lost on campus can especially benefit—office hours are your direct line to support, connection, and academic growth.

Is Your Problem Real… or Just Hypothetical Worry Your Mind Can’t Get Away From?

Ever find yourself spiraling on “what ifs”? That’s hypothetical worry—and it’s sneaky.

Actual worry = current, solvable problems.
Example: “My presentation is tomorrow → I can practice tonight.”

Hypothetical worry = future “what ifs.”
Example: “What if I bomb every class presentation this semester?” → nothing to do right now but stew.

How to check yourself:

A primer on DBT TIPP Skills (Quick Hacks for Calmer College Days)

Ever feel like your emotions hijack your day? You’re not alone. College students told us their feelings often get the best of them—whether it’s avoiding new friends because of anxiety or snapping at someone when stressed.

Here’s the science-y part: emotions only last six seconds in your body. If they stick around longer, it’s because we’re fueling them with thoughts or focus. The good news? You can interrupt the cycle with a few body-based tricks:

College = endless new situations: joining teams, navigating hookups, talking to professors. No wonder you sometimes feel like a baby deer learning to walk. That’s normal. Social skills = muscle—they get sore if you haven’t used them, but they grow with practice.

Ways to build your social muscle:

You’ve probably heard it all: “College will be the best four years of your life!” or “Get ready for endless freedom and fun!” But the truth? College is usually a mix of highs, lows, and everything in between.

Students we talked to described showing up with sky-high expectations—or no idea what to expect—and then hitting reality fast:

If you’ve ever found yourself scrolling TikTok at 1 a.m. instead of starting that paper, welcome to the club—you’re human. Procrastination is practically a rite of passage in college. But here’s the thing: it’s not about laziness, and it’s not because you’re “bad” at school.

College isn’t just about classes—it’s about relationships. From roommates and professors to friends and family, how we show up in conversations can make or break those connections.

That’s where the DBT skill GIVE comes in:

• G – Be Gentle

• I – Act Interested

• V – Validate

• E – Easy Manner

The goal? To strengthen and maintain relationships, even in stressful moments. GIVE reminds us to balance respect for others with staying authentic to ourselves. Paired with its twin skill, FAST, students (and professionals) can build relationships that are both caring and boundaried.

College throws you into constant situations where you need to speak up—whether it’s asking a professor for help, setting boundaries with a roommate, or negotiating group project roles. That can feel intimidating, but DBT’s DEAR MAN skill gives you a simple roadmap for having tough conversations without being passive or aggressive. By learning to describe the situation, express how you feel, assert what you need, reinforce the positives, and then stay mindful, confident, and willing to negotiate, you can get your point across and keep your relationships strong.