Managing the Transition to College While in Eating Disorder Recovery
Heading off to college is a big step, no matter what year you’re in. Maybe you’re a freshman moving into a dorm for the very first time, adjusting to living away from your parents. Or maybe you’ve already been through move-in before and you’re returning for your second, third, or even fourth year on campus. Each new semester brings change—new classes, new routines, new responsibilities.
If you’re a student in recovery from an eating disorder, or a parent supporting your child through this transition, these changes can feel especially overwhelming. College life often means less structure, more independence, and increased exposure to social and academic pressures. While exciting, these shifts can test the recovery skills you’ve worked so hard to build.
At LCBHealth, we help families prepare for these transitions. Whether it’s creating a plan for dining hall life, setting up a support team, or maintaining open communication, there are steps you can take to protect recovery and thrive in college.
Here are some strategies to help you maintain recovery in college:
1. Line Up a Strong Support System
Recovery doesn’t go on pause just because you or your child moves into a dorm. Before the semester starts, work together to create a support team that includes:
A therapist (either near campus or via telehealth).
Medical providers who can monitor physical health.
Campus resources such as counseling centers, advisors, or registered dietitians.
Supportive friends or mentors who can help your child feel less alone.
Encourage your student to view support as a sign of strength, not weakness. In Family-Based Treatment (FBT), we emphasize that recovery is not an individual battle—it’s a family and community effort.
2. Stick to Regular Eating Patterns
College schedules can be unpredictable, and dining halls aren’t always structured the way meals at home are. But consistent eating is the backbone of recovery. Parents can help their child plan ahead by:
Reviewing how to maintain three meals and two to three snacks daily.
Identifying where and when meals will happen on campus.
Encouraging them to keep easy snacks in their dorm room to avoid skipped meals.
Consistency helps reduce relapse risk and keeps energy and mood stable during stressful academic transitions.
3. Anticipate Triggers and Make a Plan
College brings new pressures—academic stress, social comparison, and exposure to diet culture. Talk openly with your child about what triggers may come up and how to respond. For example:
If friends are talking about dieting or body image, who can they turn to for support?
If the dining hall feels overwhelming, what backup plan can they use (like eating with a supportive friend)?
If they start skipping meals, what’s the agreed-upon next step (call home, reach out to their therapist)?
Proactively planning helps prevent small slips from turning into setbacks.
4. Keep Family Communication Open
One of the hardest parts of the college transition is the reduced visibility parents have into daily life. While you can’t monitor meals the same way you did at home, you can still stay actively involved in recovery:
Schedule regular calls or video check-ins about how your child is doing.
Use open-ended, supportive questions: “How are meals going this week?” instead of “Did you eat today?”
Encourage honesty without judgment.
In the FBT model, parents remain engaged and supportive even as their child takes on more independence.
5. Watch for Warning Signs and Intervene Early
Relapse is not uncommon during times of transition. Parents should remain alert for red flags such as:
Noticeable weight changes.
Avoidance of conversations about food or body image.
Withdrawal from social activities or academics.
Heightened anxiety or depression.
If these signs appear, step in with compassion. Encourage your child to reconnect with their therapist or medical provider immediately. Early action can prevent a full relapse.
Moving Forward Together
The transition to college is both exciting and stressful—but with preparation and continued support, recovery can remain strong. Families play a crucial role in helping students maintain progress while adjusting to independence. Remember: you don’t have to do this alone. At Lowcountry Behavioral Health, our team provides outpatient therapy and family-based treatment to support teens and young adults with eating disorders—and the parents and caregivers walking alongside them.
If your family is preparing for the transition to college while managing eating disorder recovery, we are here to help.
📞 Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about our individual therapy, family-based treatment, and caregiver support services in West Ashley and North Mount Pleasant SC.