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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
Anonymous
June 13th, 2018 1:41am
Its definitely normal! You are going to a whole new place, you are going to be with complete strangers but it's okay when you get used to it your are going to feel perfectly fine.
Anonymous
June 13th, 2018 2:51am
100% yes! College is new and nerve wracking! If you weren't scared then I would say that you didn't care enough.
Anonymous
June 13th, 2018 7:41am
feeling scared is a normal reaction. we all have fears in life. of course your growing up moving on with your life and it's a completely different environment then what your used to. but knowing college will be fun, will help you in the long run and enjoying it. just like you were scared when you started high school know it will be a easy breeze once you get used to it.
sav2262
June 14th, 2018 12:10am
Yes! Of course! It is a new chapter in your life and it's something you have never experienced before. Don't worry too much, think of it as a new adventure and keep yourself open to new opportunities.
CalmWhisper22
June 14th, 2018 1:15am
Yes, it is normal to feel scared to go to college since it is a bigger place and some folks move away from home and friends for the 1st time. It makes it easier with Skype these days and cell phones thou.
Anonymous
June 14th, 2018 9:36am
Of course it’s normal. You are changing the scene, you step out of your comfort zone , wich is high-school.
retrouvailles
June 15th, 2018 5:01am
Going to college, work or any other academic setting can cause anxiety depending on a variety of factors. It is natural to feel nervous about starting a new academic semester/year as you may not know anyone in your classes. Another reason you could feel scared is because you have an idea of what's going to happen. For example, you might not get along with some people in your classes, you might be afraid of getting called on, etc. It can be helpful to pinpoint why you feel anxious in the first place. Once you figure out the reason why you feel anxious (or there may be no concrete reason at all, that's okay too), it might be a bit easier to calm your nerves. It's important to take it a day at a time. Being scared is okay, but growth often happens when we are put in uncomfortable situations. Try to embrace the fear and see what happens.
Anonymous
June 21st, 2018 2:57am
Yes, it's completely normal. Mostly everyone goes through the stress it causes. You're moving up to the next level of education. It's scary.
Beautifuldreamer98
June 21st, 2018 3:44pm
Yes! I was sooooo scared but I came to like it. It's an adventure and a path to self-discovery! :)
PellaG
June 22nd, 2018 6:04pm
Yes it is completely normal. When I first started college I was Terrified. I wasn’t sure if I could handle the workload or make friends, but I enjoy going to college it is not as bad as it seems.
Anonymous
June 23rd, 2018 8:20am
Yes! I mean..I guess..Maybe it's because you still can't believe it and that you don't wanna..Trust me it's okay to feel that way..
peacefulHug92
June 23rd, 2018 8:36pm
College can often feel like a very scary place :o i can imagine alot of people would feel the same - afterall, the stress of homework and being around people all day can certainly feel overwhelming! If you feel as though it gets too much, you could try to talk about it with a professional, or a listener on 7cups! Take care ❤
FireIntensity
June 27th, 2018 11:33am
It's normal to feel scared for anything in general. To answer this question: yes, it is normal to feel scared to go to college. It's okay, everything will be alright as long as it is believed to be. (:
Missingperiodsandcommas
June 27th, 2018 8:42pm
Yes. If you've never been then fear of the unknown happens to everyone but after you become familiar with the routine it should settle.
Anonymous
July 5th, 2018 6:42am
Of course. College is a big step, a big change from what you may be used to, but it most likely won’t be so scary once you start going.
YouAreNotAloneInThisCrazyWorld
July 5th, 2018 3:20pm
Yes of course it's normal,it's a milestone and it's a change which is scary.But feel better knowing everyone is scared.
Anonymous
July 6th, 2018 2:40am
Absolutely! It's an experience unlike anything you've been through. New things are hard. It's fair for you to struggle with them. Just know that whatever happens in college, it just a stepping stone in your life!
blissfulOcean36
July 6th, 2018 10:16pm
of course, this is perfectly normal, this is a big change and something new that is happening in your life
Anonymous
July 9th, 2018 7:10pm
absolutely normal, college is a new chapter of your life. A drastic change. Being scared of the unknown is totally understandable
Anonymous
July 12th, 2018 5:21am
Yes ! College is a whole new atmosphere from high school. It’s perfectly normal to feel scared and anxious to go . Remember it’s like kindergarten. You may not know everyone but as you progress you know more
Anonymous
July 15th, 2018 9:04am
It is totally normal to feel scared to go to college. It’s a big change in one’s life. I’m here to help.
Anonymous
July 19th, 2018 4:27am
It is completely normal to be scared about this. Transitions such as going to college can bring up a lot of emotions and I'd encourage you to talk them out with someone you trust.
allnaturalBerry
July 19th, 2018 4:49am
very normal. it's a big step but i'm sure you'll fit in just fine and soon feel right at home. good luck!
hollykg
July 19th, 2018 8:14pm
Of course it's normal! You're going to be in a new environment with people you've likely never met before being taught by professor's you've also never met before. The workload is heavier as well, which can be overwhelming. You're not alone though. You will be surrounded by people who feel the same way as you. Go in with an open mind and do the best you can. You're going to be okay.
Anonymous
July 22nd, 2018 8:33pm
this is very normal, as many people are scared of the unknown. whether it be it knowing anyone or worrying about the timetable you are going to get.
bwaysk8
July 23rd, 2018 1:02am
Absolutely! I think everyone is at least a little scared. I personally was terrified (although excited too since I hated my high school). To be honest, I was miserable during my first semester in college. It was a lot to adjust to and I was depressed. I started seeing my therapist again and that really helped. College is rough at first, but it really does get better when you start figuring out what you’re doing. I’m going into my junior year now and enjoy it so much more than high school!
teapls
July 23rd, 2018 7:39pm
Definitely. It's a big departure from what you've gotten used to-- all the new people, new place, new things to do-- and so you might feel scared that you're not ready. But don't' worry, it happens to the best of us :) But maybe you can view it as a new opportunity to work on yourself-- you'll learn so many things inside and outside school, you'll meet new people, you'll experience new things-- and that isn't too bad, isn't it? It's just you taking on a new step towards experiencing life, as you get to know yourself better, and make new friends as well.
resourcefulFreedom38
July 25th, 2018 3:09am
Yes, it is normal to feel scared going off to college. You are leaving a familiar surrounding and entering into a new one. This is most likely the first time you have had the opportunity to live on your own. It is a new place with new people and you do not know what to expect. People often make attending college seem like a fun thing to do but it is not always like that. There is no family support. People often fear not being able to perform as well academically. Being scared is normal, but the key is not allowing fear to take control. Remember, fear is not real; you are in control.
AmethystUnicorn
July 25th, 2018 4:39am
Yes, it is normal! It's a new environment with new people! Change can be scary and it is completely normal :)
Allears247
July 25th, 2018 8:41am
Yes, college is a whole new step that you have never taken before. Everyone will go their separate ways. You'll meet new people and have new experiences. It's pretty much the start to a new life for you. So, yes it is completely normal not to mention common to feel scared about going to college.