This study emphasizes the critical role of psychological adaptation in the growth and development of college students, a cornerstone of successful higher education. We identify critical challenges by exploring first-year students’ psychological adjustments to their new academic environments and propose targeted strategies to enhance their integration into university life. Utilizing a questionnaire-based analysis to pinpoint areas of psychological misadjustment, our research offers practical solutions to facilitate smoother transitions for students, thereby improving the overall effectiveness of college education.