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Is it normal to feel scared to go to college?

306 Answers
Last Updated: 08/24/2021 at 11:42am
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

Jennifer Fritz, LMSW, PhD

Clinical Social Work/Therapist

Day to day life can be stressful and overwhelming and my strength is assisting my clients in a supportive, empowering and practical manner.

Top Rated Answers
StrongSpoonie
November 16th, 2015 3:04am
Oh very much so. College is a huge step and the expectations are even bigger. But usually they are self imposed expectations. College is just the next level of school, but unlike the previous levels you can usually customize your college experience. This is the time to focus on what makes you come alive! To become the person you want to be, and because of that its a time to be excited, not scared.
Apricate
September 22nd, 2015 3:22am
Hey! It is perfectly normal to feel scared about going to college. College is a huge transition to make - suddenly you have to live independently, find new friends, manage your finances, move away. It's a big shift for most people. I was pretty nervous too, about going to college. One thing that helps is to remember, even though, in college, you will meet tons of other people who seem to have it all together, most of them are secretly feeling as nervous as you too! All the best for college and I hope you have a fantastic time there :)
MyPassionIsToHelp
September 1st, 2015 2:45pm
college presents many challenges not just the thought of a brand new start in a new environment, its just like the first day at school. Then comes the added pressure of a new education system and to most of us that's daunting, but just like any task worth doing in life it isn't easy so we have to persevere. Getting through those first few weeks and finding the right people you feel comfortable around will make things much less stressful and you'll soon fall into a routine and concentrate on whats important, its taking those first few difficult steps that's usually the hardest thing but its worth taking them !:)
genderbreadman
January 18th, 2015 8:59pm
It is absolutely normal to feel scared. You're going to a whole new place with people that you have never met before, but the most important thing to remember is not to let that fear take over and keep you from focusing on your studies and making new friends.
kindDreamer26
September 14th, 2016 2:04pm
YES. It's a huge change in life! But there are so many great things about college life that out weigh all of that fear. New friends, building a successful future, building independence and having fun! It's completely natural to feel what you feel though, but know that'll pass as soon as you start and nearly everyone is scared to start college. I was terrified. But soon realized it's still school, it's still studying, and it's still sitting in a classroom. The bad outweighs the good for sure though 😊
Anonymous
September 11th, 2016 1:38pm
yes it is, well its anxiety
RoseyGem
January 5th, 2016 1:02am
Yes, it is normal to feel scared to go to college. When you go to college, you are doing much harder work, and that could add stress on your life. You are also leaving the familiar setting of your family home (in some cases), and you will not be able to see them regularly. Many high school friends could also be left behind. It's a big change, so it is normal.
Georgia
August 10th, 2017 10:38pm
Of course feeling scared is normal! It's always scary to start something new, especially something as huge as starting College! You're bound to feel nervous at first, but with support from family, and new friends, everything will work itself out!
EthanFabulous
June 2nd, 2018 3:02am
Of course. Starting somewhere new and unfamiliar can be a mental challenge for a lot of people. It's important to remember you're not alone in feeling that.
findyourlight
November 9th, 2015 6:05am
I believe it is normal for college students to feel scared. It is a new experience that brings about a large life transition, and many students move out of their parents home for the first time. There is also the adjustment to college life, having to make new friends, and being in a brand new environment. There are many unknowns and this makes many people feel insecure or scared.
Anonymous
March 11th, 2015 4:19pm
It's very normal to be nervous about going to college! it's a big change that can seem really daunting - the good news is 99%of your peers will be feeling a similar way, you're all going through it together. Getting used to the changes might take a bit of time but it won't take long to settle in.
CourageousPal26
March 14th, 2015 6:14am
Yes. I was scared stiff the day before college. New environment, new change, new people, new courses... It's crazy! But crazy fun and fulfilling, depending on how you plan to spend your time :)
Anonymous
April 25th, 2016 5:12am
Yes! I'm on my third year of college and I still feel scared everytime I start a new class. I think it's just a matter of making new friends, getting used to your class, and enjoying yourself because befour you know it, you'll be graduating. Remember, you're not the only one scared about college and it's okay
OneMomentInHerPresence
April 28th, 2018 4:02pm
It’s very normal to feel scared to go to college. Going to college is a big step. There’s difficult classes, having to learn how to manage money, and adapting to being completely independent. All of these things can be frightening, so it’s normal to be scared.
lovelyDay59
April 24th, 2015 4:24pm
of course, many people feel scared but just think how normal it will all feel in a few months, everyone else is probably scared to fear proves we are human.
Anonymous
May 23rd, 2015 9:59pm
It is completely normal. New friends, lifestyle,a lot of changes happen and it's totally normal to feel scared and anxious, not completely knowing what will be the future.
Anonymous
August 11th, 2015 4:01pm
Totally normal! College is a new experience and will most new experiences, they can be scary. But it's a new opportunity to learn and grow!
littleDog8604
October 28th, 2015 2:00pm
Brand new things can sometimes be scary so it's totally normal to feel anxious and scared to go off to college. You'll be fine! Moving away to college is something that I never really had to deal with and I have some just a little bit of regret because of that. The reason I say I never really had to deal with it is because I went to university 20 minutes away from my home town and went home every weekend. Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed my time there and it's where I met my wife who is my best friend in the world so I don't regret that at all. Hang in there and I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time in college once you settle in.
Anonymous
June 27th, 2018 5:13am
Not at all! in this day of age, many people have logical reasons to be scared. No offense to anyone, just an example, but even if you were to watch/listen a horror story, like a movie or youtubers such as (not indirected, again, just example) Lazy Masquerade and Mr Nightmare. So it is just normal to feel scared when you know of the possibilities, even if they have a 0.01% of happening. Just keep in mind to always have a phone on you if possible, having a phone can make you feel so much safer, or perhaps getting a bicycle. Many ways to make yourself feel safer!, good luck :)
shaquilleoatmeal
March 10th, 2017 4:52pm
Absolutely! College is a new experience in a completely different environment. It is 100% normal to feel scared or anxious about it.
Anonymous
February 24th, 2018 2:40am
It is normal. It will be a whole new different world from highschool. But it will also open opportunities for you to know yourself and be better. You will feel more independent and resposible.
PipeOrgan
February 17th, 2018 2:54am
It is indeed quite "normal" to feel some fear about a new and strange environment with many new faces and anticipated demands.
kristin00
September 28th, 2017 5:45pm
Of course! It is a big move, and you could be scared of many things, just like many other people. Just know that it's okay to be scared and there will be support if you need it.
Anonymous
April 12th, 2015 3:10am
Of course it is. It's a new place....a whole new experience and you're growing up. It's a terrifying experience, but it's going to happen....so we have to accept it.
Demetria1213
July 6th, 2015 9:45pm
That is completely normal! College is a hard thing to think about, many stressors. However it is not impossible! You just have to believe you can do it, and strive to do the best that you can!
Anonymous
March 1st, 2018 6:03pm
I wouldn’t say it is. I mean, if it’s your first time - of course it is! But if you’ve been going there for longer, then I’d say it isn’t that normal. Being scared isn’t a good thing.
Anonymous
February 25th, 2018 8:07pm
Yes, fearing a big step in your life is completely natural! Just remember that everything will work out and think of all your other classmates that are also about to go to college, you will all be alright!
RelatableHand97
March 2nd, 2018 12:53pm
Yes. It is perfectly normal to feel scared when going to college. All you have to do is remember that it is important to get an education. In the end, you could end up meeting new friends, and having a blast.
AnonymousPisces
March 14th, 2018 12:41am
Yes, it is normal to feel scared to go to college. It is a new experience and new experiences are often frightening, but are also often worth it.
Imprezzza
March 21st, 2018 11:48am
Completely normal to feel scared before colllege. Its a new environment, new atmosphere, different people and everything is so new that you will feel out of place and uncomfortable. If your feeling abit over the edge with your feelings then perhaps stick beside a friend so they can help you through it.