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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
JasonTehPanda
April 5th, 2018 6:34pm
It is 100% normal. College is a big step and it’s hard to make that jump sometimes. You just have to understand that college is the same as high school. You’ll get used to it after awhile. You might even like it :).
Caringheart23
April 5th, 2018 6:12pm
It's absolutely okay. College is a big change and it's normal to be scared of what will the future brings. I hope you'll find a lot of friends and joy once you go there and really enjoy those years :)
Anonymous
April 4th, 2018 8:07pm
of course, it's only natural to feel afraid of being a small fish in a big pond! felt like that myself. we all do to some extent
Anonymous
April 1st, 2018 9:06pm
Absolutely! The people the work load and possibly working or taking care of children on the side. Can all be very draining. Your not alone
Bas8
April 1st, 2018 1:04pm
In some cases it is, for example; you have a big presentation that day. But to be scared everyday about the thought of going to college there is something going wrong. When my anxiety was at its worst, I was too scared to leave the house, and my grades dropped drastically at school. But you can overcome this, even when it may look like there is no way out. Have you tried thinking about what it is you are actually afraid of and is that thought rational? Like what is the worst case scenario and what would you do during that moment, and what will people around you do at that moment. And most importantly, how likely is it that that worst case scenario will actually happen?
Arrigo
March 31st, 2018 3:06pm
Of course! I was super scared when I started, even if I didn't feel like I was. I was nervous, couldn't concentrate properly and had a hard time making friends, but as time went by, I grew up and learned a few tricks, so don't worry!
JustAFriendlyNeighbor
March 30th, 2018 8:11am
Definitely! College can be scary and most people are scared to go because of the peer pressure. It’s just what happens!
CaringPuppy1
March 30th, 2018 5:17am
Yes, it is a major life change. People are usually afraid of moving on and starting over. This is very natural.
Oceaneyed
March 29th, 2018 9:29am
Of course! It is a huge step to be taking for your future and is going to be a journey. But you can prepare yourself and be ready for the challenge ahead.
Anonymous
March 29th, 2018 6:12am
It's always a little scary starting something new. Feeling a little scared is quite normal when you doing something you haven't done before. It just takes a little while to adjust to a new environment and people.
bouncyBraid80
March 28th, 2018 6:48am
Of course! Change can be scary for anyone. College is a big step into adulthood. Moving away from the comfort of home is especially challenging. Breaking out of your comfort zone can lead to growth! You're going to further yourself academically and personally. It's a great time to meet new people and make connections.
Charysma0417
March 27th, 2018 6:41pm
Of course! College is a huge step in becoming an adult... for more teens this is the first time living away from home, and also it's a lot more freedom on when to do homework... but a lot more stressful because normally it's harder and sometimes you're even working a job too.
Sintix
March 23rd, 2018 2:03am
Definitely! It's a huge life change. It's something everyone frets over. You're not alone. You made it this far, you've got this!
EmSoRed
March 22nd, 2018 10:32pm
Absolutely. It's a whole new world with new people, places and experiences. Just remember, there are many other students that are feeling the exact same way.
Anonymous
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.
Anonymous
March 18th, 2018 3:26am
Sure it is , this is a big change and being scared is certainly normal. Talk with a friend or parent and tell them how you feel
icanbeahugger42
March 15th, 2018 1:12am
Short answer: Yes. It is a new and exciting step in anyones life and with new stuff often comes new worries. Try to focus on the great new impressions and take it step by step.
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.
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.
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!
TinyTeaListens
February 23rd, 2018 3:06pm
Yes it can be scary for many people. The new environment and the feeling of starting new can definitely be intimidating.
Anonymous
February 22nd, 2018 6:00pm
Yes, of course. College is a huge change in your life, so it's completely normal to be scared. But college is also an exciting experience.
MissesOliver
February 22nd, 2018 8:23am
Absolutely! Any change in our lives can be very scary and difficult to swallow. These feelings are very normal.
TheHelpingGinger
February 17th, 2018 9:37pm
Absolutely. College is a huge adjustment and almost everybody is nervous about going. Just make sure to take care of yourself. You’ll make lots of friends and memories and soon you’ll forget why you were nervous in the first place :)
Dreamer123456
February 17th, 2018 7:56pm
Yes. College is a new experience. And all new experiences are hard. Surround yourself with people you love and will support you.
SilentSerenityy
August 24th, 2021 11:42am
Of course! Any new experience can be scary, especially one that involves moving onto a new chapter in your life. Everyone you will meet at college will have or still do feel the same way as you do, so you are not alone. :) Helping yourself work through that anxiety is important, through self-care, meditation and maybe reaching out to someone you trust for some support and to voice how you are feeling. Getting yourself prepared for college and making sure you have everything you need may also help you feel more in control of the situation. Remember that you will look back on this time fondly, this is a good thing and a new experience!
insightfulFireworks46
December 10th, 2017 2:58pm
Yes, absolutely. It's a major life change and it won't be without its challenges. Any big step is bound to bring feelings of fear and anxiety - that's why it's a big step!
Joye74
December 31st, 2017 7:57pm
Any new thing is an adventure and excitement as well. It is very normal to be nervous or scared. Time and experience are the key ingredient to fight the fear.
quickballoon589
January 3rd, 2018 8:18am
Yes. New Things are almost always scary and going to college is a whole new experience especially when being away from your family for the first time and being on your own.