A digital library of thoughtful “Open When” letters and short encouragement videos —created to walk alongside you through the real moments of college life.
College is Full of Exciting Moments. But It’s Also Full of Hard Ones…
College is often described as “the best years of your life.” But for many students, it’s also a season of transition, pressure, comparison, and quiet loneliness. You may be:
Missing home
Feeling behind or unsure
Overwhelmed by expectations
Questioning who you are or where you’re headed
Trying something new and wondering if you belong
College Companion was created for those moments—the ones we don’t always talk about, but that shape us deeply.
Hi, I’m ElizabethI’m a former resident assistant and the author of Discover What Matters: Find Meaning, Hope, and Love in a Success-Driven College Culture.
I created College Companion because I know firsthand how formative and tender the college years can be. I experienced homesickness, rejection, overwhelm, and deep growth—and I wished I had something gentle to turn to during those moments.
This library is built from stories, reflections, and wisdom I wish I had in college. I hope that it helps you feel less alone—and more grounded—wherever you are in your journey.
What Is College Companion?
A digital resource designed with care by a former resident assistant to support college students
You can visit this space anytime—late at night, between classes, during stressful weeks, or in quiet moments when you just need perspective.
Inside, you’ll find:
Written “Open When” letters for specific moments of need
Short encouragement videos you can watch or listen to
College Companion is hosted on Substack. With the Substack app, you can access encouragement on the go!
The “Open When” Letter Collection
Read during specific moments of need.
When we are feeling heavy emotions, it’s hard to remember what is true. These letters offer truth, encouragement, and perspective from a friend to help you get through difficult moments.
Read when you:
Feel homesick
Feel overwhelmed
Face rejection
Try something new
Need to choose your major
The Encouragement Video Library
Watch when you want perspective, motivation, or a reminder of what matters.
You’ll find short, thoughtful videos that blend personal stories and direct encouragement—the kind you might want to hear from someone a few steps ahead of you.
Watch when you:
Need reassurance
Want to feel inspired
Feel stuck or discouraged
Want to slow down and reflect
How This Works
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Purchase once
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Get ongoing access
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Come back anytime
Who This Is For
College Companion is for:
Incoming or current college students
Students who feel and think deeply
Anyone navigating change, uncertainty, or growth
Students who want support without pressure
This is not:
A course
Therapy or counseling
Academic advising
What You Get
Ongoing College Companion Access — $29
Includes:
Full Encouragement Video Library
“Open When” Letter Collection
“Companion Check-Ins” in your inbox a few times a semester
All future encouragement videos and letters
*To inquire about Group Rates, send a message to elizabeth@elizabethmccolloch.com
Pair With the Book
If you enjoy the reflections in the Companion, you may also enjoy my book, Discover What Matters.
While the Companion offers encouragement for specific moments in college life, the book explores the deeper questions of meaning, hope, and love that many students wrestle with during their college years.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Within 24 hours of your purchase, you will receive a Welcome email with a link to access College Companion, which is hosted on Substack. You will also get a short video explaining how to navigate Substack on your computer & phone.
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Yes, the College Companion is hosted on Substack. You will be able to access it via an app on your phone or on your internet browser on your computer.
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You have ongoing access—there is no expiration.
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No. There’s no timeline or order. This space is here when you need it.
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No. This is a supportive resource, not a replacement for professional mental health care.
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Yes—discounted group and campus access options are available.
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Yes. The College Companion can be purchased as a gift by parents, guardians, grandparents, or mentors for students navigating college.
If you’re gifting this to a student, you can include a personal note at checkout or reach out if you’d like help making the gift feel more personal.
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I care deeply about accessibility. I also know that students’ financial situations vary widely, and that cost can sometimes be a barrier.
College Companion is priced to be sustainable so it can continue to exist and grow. That said, I keep a limited number of access passes available for students who genuinely need support but are unable to purchase at this time.
If cost is a barrier for you, you’re welcome to reach out. I’ll do my best to help when I can.
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You will continue to have ongoing access to the content in case you want to return to the video encouragements or “Open When” letters. Much of the content is applicable beyond college. However, you can unsubscribe from the periodic Companion Check-Ins if you’d like.