The Art of Setting Boundaries in College

The Scenario We All Know

Have you ever been afraid to tell your roommate “no” when they have people over every single night? Or maybe you've had a friend who has been a little too pushy, and you are wondering how to tell them “no” without overthinking it and feeling guilty? If you have, you are not alone.

College is a brand-new experience with lots of new expectations, and the pressure to always say yes can be overwhelming. But there is a way out, and it's called setting boundaries.

So, What Are Boundaries?

Think of setting boundaries as putting up invisible fences to protect your mental, emotional and physical energy. Boundaries aren't walls to shut people out, but guidelines to help you stay grounded.

Whether it's saying no to a night out when you need to study or telling your roommate that they can't have people over after midnight, boundaries keep your life from spiraling out. They help you create your college experience to be one where you can show up as the best version of yourself.

At The Edge Magazine, we believe in the art of setting boundaries. It's not just important; it’s vital for living a worry-free college life.

Boundaries Are Not Mean

The most important thing to remember when setting boundaries is that you are not being mean. You are learning to respect yourself and your mental health while teaching other people how to respect you as well.

Boundaries are not about pushing your friends or people in your life away. They are a guide on how to keep relationships healthy.

Red sign attached to a fence that reads, "your boundaries won't scare the right people away." — Photo from Pinterest

The Rulebook for Boundaries

Here are some simple but powerful rules to keep in mind:

Know Your Limits: Be honest with yourself about how much you can handle.
Schedule Time for Yourself: “Fill your cup up before you fill someone else's". You can’t pour from an empty cup; come up with a list of things that fill your cup up. Whether it's time for a nap, reading time, or just time to think, it's always important to make sure you have time for yourself.
“No” Is a Full Sentence: Don't over-explain. It's simple; you don't owe people an explanation, just a simple “I can't tonight” or “I have too much on my plate right now”, is enough.
Don't Let FOMO Run Your Life: The fear of missing out is a real thing, but so is burnout. Learn to choose balance over being everywhere all the time.
Sleep Is NOT Optional: A study done by the CDC shows that people who are 18 and up need to get between 8 and ten hours of sleep per night. Sacrificing sleep ruins your mood and focus. Even though it's hard, sleep is good for you, and you need to learn how to value it.

Always remember: It's important to respect other people's boundaries too. Boundaries are healthy and they go both ways.

When you start setting boundaries, you have so much to gain. You will have more energy for things that matter to you, less burnout, and more balance. Strong self-respect and trust in yourself will lead to stronger relationships with others.

Boundaries are about being smart, not selfish. In college, learning that you have the power to say “no” can lead you to say “yes” to better things down the line. Going to college isn't just about school; it's about learning to live your life the way you want.

What do you think about setting boundaries in college? Head to our Instagram @theedgemag and share your thoughts with us!