Freshman year of college is exciting—but it can also feel overwhelming. From homesickness and roommate conflicts to social anxiety, academic pressure, and learning to live independently, the transition is rarely as seamless as social media makes it seem. In this post, therapist Dayna Stein, LCSW, shares ten common challenges first-year college students face, along with practical strategies to build resilience, manage stress, and adjust with confidence. Whether you're a student preparing for college or a parent supporting your child, you'll find reassurance that feeling uncomfortable is a normal part of growth—and that you don't have to navigate it alone.