The holidays are supposed to be a time to relax, spend time with people you care about, and enjoy a break from school. But for many college students, the holiday season can feel complicated.
You might be worried about money, going home, family responsibilities, finding enough food, feeling lonely, or simply trying to manage everything that comes with the end of the semester.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, you are not alone. And you do not have to wait until things become too difficult before asking for support.
Coalinga College has resources available to help you take care of yourself and stay connected, even during a stressful time of year.
It Is Okay to Ask for Help
Sometimes asking for help can feel uncomfortable. You might think your situation is not serious enough or that other students need the resources more than you do.
Support is there for a reason.
The Coalinga College Student Support page brings together services designed to help students with different academic, personal, and financial needs. You can explore resources such as tutoring, EOPS, CARE, CalWORKs, Disabled Students Programs and Services, CAMP, and other support programs.
You do not have to figure out which resource is right for you by yourself. If you are unsure where to start, reaching out to Student Services can help connect you with the right department.
Take Care of Your Mental and Emotional Well Being
The holidays can bring up a lot of different emotions. You might feel happy one day and stressed or lonely the next. That does not mean anything is wrong with you.
Coalinga College offers Health and Wellness Services through TimelyCare, which provides students with access to virtual medical and mental health support at no cost. Services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and can be accessed from anywhere in the United States with an internet connection.
Students can also receive personal counseling for concerns such as stress, anxiety, grief and loss, family difficulties, relationship issues, adjusting to college, and other challenges that may affect their well being.
If you need someone to talk to, connect with Coalinga College Counseling and Advising Services to learn about available support.
If Money or Food Is Stressing You Out
For some students, the holidays can make financial stress even harder.
If you are worried about having enough food, housing, transportation, or other basic needs, Coalinga College has a Food and Basic Needs resource page where you can find information about food, financial resources, housing, health care, transportation, child care, and other forms of assistance.
The Falcon Pantry is available to currently enrolled West Hills College students, and students do not have to provide proof of need to use the pantry.
If you are not sure what help you may qualify for, start with the Student Support resources or reach out to Student Services.
Stay Connected With People Who Support You
When school is out, it can be easy to lose the routine and connections you have during the semester.
Try to stay connected in ways that feel comfortable for you.
Send a message to a friend. Check in with a classmate. Spend time with someone you trust. If you are staying on campus, look for opportunities to get involved through Coalinga College Student Life.
You do not have to be constantly social to stay connected. Sometimes a quick phone call, text message, or conversation can make a difference.
Remember That You Can Still Reach Out to Your Counselor
If you are dealing with something that is affecting your ability to focus on school, you can talk with a counselor.
Coalinga College counseling services can assist with academic, career, and personal concerns. Counselors can also help students connect with other campus resources when additional support is needed.
You can visit Counseling and Advising Services to learn more or view the Coalinga College counselors and advisors to find the person who can help with your questions.
You can also contact Student Services at 559 934 2300 if you are not sure where to begin.
Give Yourself a Break
You do not have to spend your entire holiday break being productive.
Rest is important too.
Give yourself permission to sleep in, spend time with people you care about, enjoy something you like, or simply take a break from thinking about school for a while.
At the same time, if you know you are struggling, do not ignore it just because it is the holiday season.
You Are Still a Student, Even During the Break
Taking time away from classes does not mean you have to handle everything on your own.
Whether you need academic guidance, help with basic needs, mental health support, or simply someone who can point you toward the right resource, Coalinga College has people who are here to help.
Start with the Coalinga College Student Support page or Counseling and Advising Services.
And if you are not sure what you need yet, that is okay.
You can simply say, "I am having a hard time and I do not know where to start."
Sometimes, that is all you need to say to take the first step toward getting support.