How LGBT students can adjust to college life

by Barron Whited, MS.ED

College is a unique time in life when young adults experience independence, challenges, opportunities and a wide range of activities. For a LGBT students, the transition can be extremely stressful going into unknown environment with new people. Students may feel obligated to act a certain way, avoid difficult conservations with roommates and isolate themselves from other students to cope with the lack of acceptance.

LGBT students may feel stress, but it is important they do not get too overwhelmed by their sexual orientation to not focus on academics. Here are some suggestions to help LGBT students ease into a healthy campus community.

Tip 1:  Understand diversity

In college, LGBT students will be exposed to many different ethnic, nationalities, religious and cultural backgrounds. It is important for them to understand that other students may be experiencing similar fears with trying to fit-in with their peers. Understanding diversity can give students the opportunity to meet new people and the assurance that they are not alone in this process.

Tip 2:  Get involved

Upon arriving at college, it is vital to scope out the various networks that embrace the LGBT community such as pride clubs and organizations. Many colleges have support groups to help students emotionally, mentally and socially in college. Becoming involved in other gay-friendly opportunities such as student government, gay-straight allies and other outreach activities can ease LGBT students into college life.

Tip 3:  Know your resources

LGBT students can have an easier transition into college life by knowing the available resources on campus—such as counselors, academic advisors and resident assistants. Colleges may have a mentoring program where students can be matched up with upper classmen they can turn to with questions and concerns.

Tip 4:  Find a support system

Students can benefit from having a good support system during their college career by meeting other LGBT students through school events, residence hall meetings and other community activities. Finding a supportive system can be the key to helping students be themselves in post- secondary education and be confident in their sexual orientation.

The college experience can be stressful enough with all the responsibilities, obligations and deadlines, but for LGBT students it may seem even more overwhelming and insurmountable. Young people need to surround themselves in a campus community that is ideal for learning, having fun and feeling safe. 

Whether or not students are ready to coming out in their freshmen year, they first need to feel comfortable with their peers in order to take that next step.

It is vital for LGBT students to surround themselves with empathy, encouragement and trust during their college career. Having supportive friends to confide in, a counselor to turn to as well as a gay-friendly community can help LGBT students make a smooth adjustment to the college life.