The transition from high school to college presents new challenges and opportunities for exploration of identity and sense of self. This is important for the transition to adulthood, but it can be an overwhelming experience as you navigate an unfamiliar environment.
With this in mind, it’s important to know that there are resources at Georgia Tech designed to help you through these changes.
We asked Joi Alexander, the director for Georgia Tech’s Wellness Empowerment Center, a few questions about preparing for college and using Tech’s wellness resources. Below, she goes over a few tips and tricks for maintaining well-being.
1. What do you think is most important for students to know about maintaining their well-being throughout their transition to college?
What I always share with students is this: your well-being is foundational to your success. Taking care of your mental, physical, and emotional health isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. It’s essential to establish routines that promote balance, make time for rest, maintain social connections, and know how to seek help when needed. The earlier you understand that well-being is ongoing and multidimensional, the more equipped you’ll be to thrive at Tech and beyond.
2. What can students do now to prepare for that shift from high school to college?
Start by listening to your body and exploring what helps you recharge, how you manage stress, and where you tend to struggle. Practice time management, advocate for your needs, and have conversations with your support system about boundaries and expectations. I also recommend looking into Georgia Tech’s student well-being resources before you arrive. Knowing what’s available will help you feel more confident and ready to engage when you need it.
3. What makes Georgia Tech unique in our approach to student well-being?
Georgia Tech is intentional about supporting the whole student. What makes us unique is the integration of wellness across campus. We utilize the Eight Dimensions of Wellness as a guiding framework, ensuring that we’re not just focused on physical health or academics—we adopt a holistic approach and prioritize the well-being of the whole student. From prevention education and peer support to accessible services, we continually evolve to meet students where they are.
4. How can incoming students best familiarize themselves with the resources available at Tech?
Get involved early. FASET and Week of Welcome (2025 schedule TBD) are great entry points. You can also follow Student Engagement and Well-Being on social media to learn more about the departments and services that are available to support students during the semester.
Don’t be afraid to stop by any office to learn more about the programs and services they have available. There is a plethora of resources for students that are often under-utilized; therefore, don’t be afraid to ask questions and connect with your fellow peers as well to learn about what is available to support your success at Tech.
There are quite a few peer programs that are available that you can connect with —they’re a great bridge to wellness services and can offer real-life insight into how students make wellness work at Tech.
5. College is a time where many may struggle with navigating their financial independence. What resources may be helpful for students to learn more about their financial options and good financial well-being strategies?
Financial well-being is a critical part of your overall health. The Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid is a great starting point. Additionally, you can request to speak with a Wellness Coach in the Wellness Empowerment Center to discuss your specific financial goals and identify strategies to achieve them.
Students who may be navigating food or housing insecurity have the opportunity to engage with Klemis Kitchen and STAR Services, both of which are available to support students experiencing hardship. Students don’t have to navigate financial independence alone; we’re here to help you build confidence and resilience in this area.
6. Mental health is also a concern for many college students. What types of mental health programming does Georgia Tech offer to support students?
We offer a wide range of mental health services and prevention programming through the Wellness Empowerment Center and the Center for Mental Health Care and Resources.
The first step would be to sign up for wellness coaching through the Wellness Empowerment Center. This service can help you prioritize what needs attention and provides referrals when applicable. Wellness coaches are not therapists, and if a student needs therapy, they will refer students to the Center for Mental Health Care and Resources for additional support.
The Wellness Empowerment Center employs a prevention approach by equipping students with skills to build their mental health resilience, aiming to reduce the need for crisis intervention in the future.
Through the Center for Mental Health Care and Resources, students can access individual counseling, group therapy, peer coaching, and more informal outreach such as Suicide Prevention awareness, in which we collaborate to reduce stigma and encourage students to seek help when needed. We also collaborate to host additional outreach events, mindfulness workshops, and mental health awareness campaigns that aim to reduce stigma and foster a campus culture of care.
Mental health is health—and it’s okay to ask for support.
7. Do you have any personal favorite well-being programs, or maybe one that students don’t always know about?
One of my favorites programs is Wellness Coaching—it’s a collaborative, strengths-based process where students work with trained coaches to explore personal health and wellness goals.
Through one-on-one sessions, students identify areas for growth, develop action plans, and strengthen skills that promote resilience and well-being. Common topics in wellness coaching sessions include stress management, sleep hygiene, physical health, time management, and work-life balance.
I also love our Peer Educator programs. It empowers students to become wellness leaders in their own circles, which can have a profoundly positive ripple effect.
8. If a student is nervous about using a particular service, what advice do you have for them?
That’s completely valid—and more common than you might think. My advice? Start small. You don’t have to commit to a full program on day one. Try a drop-in session, attend a workshop, or talk with a peer educator. The first step is just showing up. Our teams are here to support you without judgment. You deserve to feel well and supported—and there’s no shame in reaching out to get what you need.