Starting college is a major life transition and beginning in the spring semester at Stevens Institute of Technology can bring up a unique mix of excitement, pressure, and anxiety. Many spring-entry students arrive on campus feeling out of sync, wondering if they are already “behind” while others seem settled into routines and friendships. It is common to compare yourself to classmates who started in the fall, but doing so can intensify self-doubt and make the adjustment feel heavier than it needs to be.
The truth is that there’s no single “right” timeline for starting college, and a spring entry does not reflect your ability, motivation, or potential for success at Stevens. With the right support, this semester can be an opportunity to build confidence, establish routines that work for you, and approach your college experience with intention. This blog explores common sources of anxiety for spring-entry students and offers ways to care for your mental health as you begin your journey right where you are.
Anchor Therapy is a counseling center in Hoboken, NJ with mental health therapists specialized in helping children, teens, adults, couples, and families with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, life transitions, and more. Anchor Therapy is accepting new clients and is now providing in-person sessions and teletherapy sessions to residents of New Jersey, New York, and Florida.
Why Does Starting College in the Spring Feel So Different?
Starting college in the spring can feel different because the campus already seems to be in motion when you arrive. Many students have had a full semester to settle into classes, routines, and social circles which can make spring-entry students feel like they are stepping into a story already in progress. Read our blog “How to Create A Daily Routine” for tips. Even when peers are welcoming, it is common to feel like you missed an important “beginning,” leading to self-consciousness or pressure to catch up quickly.
There is also often less public acknowledgment of spring-entry students. Fall orientation, move-in traditions, and campus-wide “new student” energy tend to center around the fall semester which can unintentionally make spring starters feel less visible. Without the shared experience of a large cohort adjusting together, students may internalize the idea that their transition should be easier or that something is wrong if it is not.
Academically, the spring semester can feel more intense. Courses may move quickly, expectations can seem higher, and professors may assume students are already familiar with campus systems and study rhythms. For students at a rigorous institution like Stevens Institute of Technology, this can heighten anxiety and self-doubt, especially when you are still learning how to manage workload, time, and academic pressure.
Emotionally, starting in the spring often carries an added layer of meaning. Many students did not plan to begin college this way which can bring feelings of disappointment, grief, or questioning their own path. It is important to recognize that these reactions are not signs of weakness, they are natural responses to an unexpected transition. Understanding why spring entry feels different is a first step toward offering yourself compassion and building a college experience that fits you, not an imagined timeline.
Is It Normal to Feel Behind as a Spring Admit at Stevens?
Yes, it is completely normal to feel behind as a spring admit at Stevens Institute of Technology. Many students arrive on campus noticing that others already know where to go, how classes work, and who they sit with. This can create the impression that everyone else is more confident or capable, even though those students were once new themselves. Feeling “behind” is often less about actual ability and more about being new in an environment that already feels established. For more support, read our blog “The Ultimate Guide to Building Self-Confidence.”
At a highly driven, achievement-focused school like Stevens, comparison can happen quickly. When classmates talk about their fall semester projects, internships, or friendships, it is easy to assume you are missing something essential. But starting in the spring does not mean you lack preparation or potential, it simply means your timeline is different. Academic success and personal growth do not follow a single schedule, even in competitive environments. View our blog “How to Stop Comparing Yourself to Other People.”
First-semester college students often experience a wide and sometimes conflicting range of emotions, especially during the early weeks of adjustment. These reactions are common and do not mean something is wrong, they just reflect a major life transition. For support, our blog “The Best Ways to Cope with Life Transitions” is a must-read.
Common emotions new college students experience are as follows:
Anticipation about independence and new opportunities
Curiosity about classes, campus life, and friendships
Pride in reaching an important milestone
Worry about academics, workload, or keeping up
Social anxiety about making friends or fitting in (View our blog “6 Helpful Tips for Living with Social Anxiety”)
Fear of making mistakes or not meeting expectations (Read our blog “How Do I Overcome The Fear of Failure?”)
Questioning whether you belong or are “good enough”
Imposter syndrome, especially in competitive programs (“7 Ways to Combat Imposter Syndrome” is a must-read)
Comparing yourself to peers who seem more confident (View our blog “5 Ways to Build Self-Confidence”)
Missing family, friends, or familiar routines (Check out our blog “6 Ways to Get Rid of Homesickness”)
Feeling isolated even when surrounded by people (Read our blog “How To Be Alone Without Being Lonely”)
Difficulty finding a sense of connection early on
Feeling overloaded by new responsibilities and expectations
Struggling with time management or decision-making (View our blog “How Mental Health Counseling Can Help Your Decision Fatigue”)
Mental fatigue from constant adjustment
Mourning unmet expectations about college life
Feeling let down if the experience does not match what you imagined (View our blog “Grieving A Life That Never Was”)
Grief over leaving behind a previous identity or support system
Satisfaction from handling challenges independently
Small wins, like completing assignments or meeting new people
Emerging belief in your ability to adapt
It is also important to recognize that many students who started in the fall are still adjusting in ways that are not visible. Behind the surface, they may be struggling with stress, burnout, or uncertainty about their direction. Spring admits often underestimate how much adjustment happens throughout the first year, not just during the first semester. Check out our blog “Everything You Need to Know About Stress Management Therapy.”
Feeling behind can trigger anxiety, self-criticism, or the urge to push yourself too hard to “catch up.” If you are struggling with this, our blog “Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Negative Self-Talk” is a must-read.
Instead of rushing the process, it can be more helpful to focus on learning your own rhythms- academically, socially, and emotionally. Belonging at Stevens is not determined by when you arrived, but by how you support yourself and engage with your experience over time.
How to Practice Self-Compassion During Major Transitions
Major life transitions; like starting college, relocating, or entering a new environment; often bring pressure to adjust quickly and “get it right.” During these periods, many people become more self-critical, interpreting uncertainty or emotional discomfort as personal failure. Practicing self-compassion means recognizing that difficulty is not a sign of weakness, but a natural response to change. Instead of asking, “What is wrong with me?” self-compassion invites the question, “What do I need right now?”
One key part of self-compassion is normalizing your experience. Transitions disrupt routines, relationships, and a sense of identity, which can naturally trigger anxiety, sadness, or self-doubt. Reminding yourself that many others feel unsettled during big changes can reduce isolation and shame. You are not struggling because you are doing something wrong, you are struggling because you are adapting.
Another important practice is noticing your inner dialogue. During stressful transitions, the inner voice often becomes harsh or demanding, pushing you to compare yourself to others or meet unrealistic expectations. Self-compassion involves gently challenging that voice and replacing it with language you might use toward a friend. In other words, using language that is more patient, supportive, and understanding. Small shifts in self-talk can significantly affect emotional resilience.
Self-compassion also means allowing yourself to move at your own pace. In environments that value productivity or achievement, there can be pressure to adjust quickly or appear confident. However, meaningful adjustment takes time. Giving yourself permission to take things one step at a time helps prevent burnout and allows you to build stability rather than forcing progress.
Another way to practice self-compassion is by acknowledging loss alongside growth. Even positive transitions often involve leaving something behind- familiar routines, relationships, or versions of yourself. Allowing space for grief or disappointment does not diminish your excitement or potential, it makes your experience more honest and whole.
Caring for your body is also a form of self-compassion. During transitions, sleep, nutrition, and movement are often disrupted which can intensify emotional stress. Attending to basic needs, even imperfectly, supports emotional regulation and sends the message that you are worthy of care, even when things feel uncertain.
Finally, self-compassion includes knowing when to seek support. Reaching out to friends, mentors, or a college counselor at Anchor Therapy is not a sign of failure, it is an act of self-respect. Transitions are not meant to be navigated alone, and allowing yourself to be supported can make change feel more manageable and less isolating. Over time, practicing self-compassion helps build a foundation of trust in yourself, one that carries you through this transition and future ones as well.
When to Consider Talking With a Life Transitions Counselor in Hoboken
Big transitions; like starting college, relocating, changing academic plans, or adjusting to a new phase of adulthood; can quietly take a toll on your emotional well-being. Even when these changes are expected or positive, they can bring uncertainty, anxiety, or a sense of feeling ungrounded. Talking with a life transitions counselor in Hoboken can be helpful when the stress of change begins to feel heavier than you anticipated or harder to manage on your own.
One sign it may be time to seek support is if anxiety or stress feels persistent rather than temporary. Statistics show that roughly 60% of college students feel overwhelmed with anxiety. Feeling nervous or overwhelmed during a transition is normal, but if worry starts to interfere with sleep, concentration, or daily functioning, it may be helpful to talk with a professional. A counselor can help you slow things down, identify what is fueling the anxiety, and develop tools to cope more effectively during this adjustment period.
Benefits of anxiety counseling for first-semester college students at Stevens Institute of Technology:
Improved academic performance
Enhanced time management
Better social adjustment
Reduced anxiety and stress
Increased self-awareness
Development of resilience
Support for mental health
Improved sleep and physical health
Enhanced campus engagement
Early intervention
You might also consider counseling if you find yourself stuck in comparison or self-doubt. Transitions often trigger questions about identity, belonging, or whether you are “on the right path.” If your inner dialogue has become increasingly critical or you are feeling pressure to meet unrealistic expectations, working with a life transitions counselor can help you develop self-compassion and clarity. Therapy offers a space to explore these thoughts without judgment and to reconnect with your own values and goals.
Another reason to reach out is if you are experiencing a sense of loss or disappointment alongside change. Even when moving forward, it is common to grieve what did not happen as planned whether that is a different college start, missed experiences, or a version of life you imagined for yourself. Counseling can help you process these emotions rather than pushing them aside, allowing you to move forward with greater emotional balance.
Life transitions can also strain relationships, especially when you are adjusting to new independence or shifting roles. If you are feeling disconnected from friends, family, or yourself, therapy can support healthier communication and boundaries. For students and young adults in Hoboken, having a consistent, supportive space off campus can be grounding during periods of change.
Ultimately, talking with a life transitions counselor is not about something being “wrong.” It is about giving yourself support during a time that requires flexibility, resilience, and growth. If you are navigating a transition and feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, or emotionally stuck, counseling can help you feel more steady, confident, and supported as you move into this next chapter.
Starting college, especially as a spring-entry student at Stevens Institute of Technology, can bring a mix of excitement, uncertainty, and anxiety. It is normal to feel out of sync, compare yourself to peers, or worry about whether you are “on track.” The key is remembering that your timeline does not define your potential or belonging. By practicing self-compassion, building supportive routines, and reaching out for guidance when needed; whether through friends, campus resources, or a life transitions counselor; you can navigate this new chapter with confidence. Every student’s journey is unique, and with support, you can thrive at your own pace.
Victoria Scala
is the Social Media Manager and Community Engagement Director at Anchor Therapy in Hoboken, New Jersey. She is a graduate of the Honors College of Rutgers University-Newark and is currently studying Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the graduate level.
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