Skip to main content Skip to bottom nav

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
AguidingLight
December 16th, 2017 6:14pm
Many people find it scary I think it’s a normal reaction to starting college it’s a very big thing that as in its self it’s own challenges and stressers that can be very scary and overwhelming to most people.
HighHorizon
December 17th, 2017 11:55pm
Of course it is. College is a big change in your life, and represents a big step forward. A lot of things are going to change, and as humans, we worry about change. For a lot of us, college is the first time that we'll be living alone from our parents. We'll be going through a whole new class system, and while we're going to have a lot more freedom in our lives, sometimes we won't even know what to do with it all. College can be a bit overwhelming, yes, but don't worry. It's a big change, but just imagine what will happen if you embrace it. You'll learn to love your newfound freedom, and you'll get your degree which will allow you to move forward in life and accomplish even more. So don't worry, it's perfectly normal to be scared about going to college. But just remember, this is the first day of the rest of your life. It's the first step in becoming the best person you can be. So go take that first step, and go get that degree.
awesomeRose64
December 22nd, 2017 2:04pm
I believe so. It is a period of great transition for many, and as such can appear quite intimidating at first glance. If you are entering a college that none of your past friends you made are going to, then it can also feel quite lonesome, and daunting to form new social bonds. It is normal to feel scared to go to college, because it is a place that invites/compels you to transform from the person you've been up until now.
absentveins
December 13th, 2017 7:52pm
Yes! Going to college can feel very stressful and scary because it's a new step that you are taking in your life. It's also a big one. If you are moving away from your home to get to the college too, or move in one of the dorms, it could be why you are feeling so scared. It will be okay after you get used to the new experience. Sending love your way!
endearingLion70
December 23rd, 2017 3:11am
Change, and starting new things is always scary but also exciting. Not knowing a place and meeting new people is a challange
fairyofneverland
December 13th, 2017 11:00am
It is! Trying to orientate new places, new people, new orders always scare us. Because we don't know what we will encounter with. But it is essential to keep in mind that when we look back to our first day in high school and following years there is a huge gap. This will apply to college as well. That's why keep calm and enjoy all the changes!
Meg52
December 24th, 2017 12:29am
yes it is perfectly normal, speaking from experience it is always nerve-wracking to start something new because you are not familiar with the setting or people, nothing to be ashamed of.
PersonalPal
December 30th, 2017 1:16pm
New things always make us feel unsure in some form. This is because when we have never experienced somthing before, we dont always know what to expect. This means this scared feeling of going to college is a normal human response to somthing new.
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.
ams96
December 31st, 2017 9:32pm
Absolutely. Going to college is a big move for people - you're no longer in high school and you are surrounded by people you don't really know and it's only human to feel nervous.
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.
Anonymous
January 4th, 2018 2:57am
It is completely normal to feel scared to go to college. It is a big change in life as well as a mystery
BonViveur
January 7th, 2018 2:16am
Yes! It is a change, and an unfamiliar situation. Deep down everybody is scared when they are about to experience something like this for the first time, you shouldn't think that there is anything wrong in that. When you arrive you will be amongst people who are in the same situation as you, and all of them will have experienced some fear or nervousness along the way. But, just like the first time you went to school, you will be able to settle in, and soon things will seem less scary.
neptne
January 9th, 2018 12:07am
"YES! College is scary! But- you can do it, because any college would be lucky to have you. You can go to a really hotshot college, but you could hate it because you're not meant to be there. You have a place in this world and you're gonna find it! It's normal to be scared to move away from all that's familiar to you, but you're gonna maybe stop feeling scared if you give it some time and try and do your best!" - my sibling who is in college, lol.
Anonymous
January 10th, 2018 6:11pm
Sure! but its ok to be scared, it remind us we are alive, it's a big change, but as long as you get there and not only discover yourself but find out what you want to do with your life, that scared state of mind will go away.
Anonymous
December 11th, 2017 7:27pm
Yes, feeling scared about college is a very normal feeling. It's a big step in your life, however, you can do great things! Just take a step back, and gather your thoughts. It will be okay.
Anonymous
February 11th, 2018 10:06pm
Yes! It's quite normal to feel that way. College is a huge step, and many people do feel scared before going off to college. One of my close friends was scared to go off to college. Regardless, try not to worry or be scared too much. College can bring challenges, but it can also bring really great things too!! Eventually after a while of going to college, you'll adjust to it, and even likely make a few friend :b It'll be hard, but it'll also be worth it!!
ChamomileTea5202
December 10th, 2017 11:45pm
Leaving your family, friends, and home can be a daunting experience. The fear of the unknown can be overwhelming, but think about it like this: There are hundreds of colleges, each with thousands of students, statistically speaking many of those students feel exactly the way you do!
preciouscinnamonroll
February 11th, 2018 9:20pm
Of course it is. It’s most likely your first time being away from your family for an extended period of time. College is also in general, a new experience. You don’t know exactly how it’s like. You’ll get used to it. I know you will :)
pluckycoconut2
February 10th, 2018 2:21pm
Yes it is. College is a very big and important step In people's life and if you don't have help you will be scared and also it cost money to go to college and you don't want to waste money or time
DylanSDB
February 9th, 2018 7:23pm
Absolutely! College is a big step and it can mold the rest of your life. But it is important to remember that you are in total control of how well you do and how motivated you can be. Take charge and do your best!
Anonymous
February 7th, 2018 7:38pm
Definitely! It's a big step and, like all new things, can be scary. Just know that it's quite the experience and really not all it's blown up to be.
Anonymous
February 3rd, 2018 8:01pm
Of course it is. I was scared too! Especially if you don't know many people there, I didn't know anyone when I began, but suddenly I felt better when I started talking to different people
SympatheticStrawberries58
January 26th, 2018 7:12am
It is very normal to feel scared before college. I was terrified when I started college because I had not really been away from home and being in a new place with new people is scary!! I promise though you will learn to adjust but I recommend making friends as soon as possible because it makes everything better!!
JeshuaMorbus
January 17th, 2018 2:49pm
Normal and common to a mundane level. After all, we are talking about being among a lot of new strange people you don't know, a priori, how to tackle and, at the same time, having to understand far harder topics than in high school. If you are scared, it's because you are meeting with something you don't understand yet. So, yeah, it's normal. And you're not the only one who feels that way.
Anonymous
December 13th, 2017 9:54am
Of course! College is intimidating and of course it's all the social pressure that you HAVE to go and you HAVE to do well or you've failed. Go in with no expectations and grab the bull by the horns and go for it.
Anonymous
January 14th, 2018 6:33pm
Absolutely! Being away from your home, high school friends, and family is a very new experience for many.
Anonymous
January 15th, 2018 4:36pm
It is normal to feel scared to go to college since it will be a whole new place, new people, new environment and it might be far from where you live. The idea sure sounds intimidating at first for many people if you view it from that perspective
lostgirlfangirl
January 24th, 2018 8:53pm
Yes totally, it is a new experience and it is the first time you're without your parents and you're an adult. It is normal to be scared but don't be because although it is stressful it is also very fun and amazing.
Anonymous
January 25th, 2018 9:10pm
Yes it is very normal because it is a new phase in your life but it can be an interesting experience if you open up your mind to it