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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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
KieraR5936
May 4th, 2018 1:56pm
Of course it is. You're facing the beginning of adulthood and it isn't slowing down for you. But if you just take a deep breath and stay confident, you can get through it.
TonyTheFox
April 7th, 2018 6:38pm
Being scared to go to college is perfectly normal. Its a big responsibility, but can also be a lot of fun. Its important to remember that you aren't alone in this feeling and there are so many people you can talk with to help you overcome it.
Anonymous
April 12th, 2018 2:30pm
Definitely. In life, we're always going to be scared of something. Like taking a new step in life, its normal. You'll pull through.
Anonymous
April 13th, 2018 1:35pm
yes it is completely normal to feel nervous or scared to go to college! it is a big step in your life and there is alot to be nervous abut
BrightBean7
April 13th, 2018 2:20pm
It's completely normal! It's a whole new way of life that you're going to be entering. Feeling scared, apprehensive or nervous is a completely natural and normal reaction to something so new.
kindheartedMango
April 14th, 2018 12:21am
yes! You now have to make new friends and its the next step of being an adult. Away from your family, loved ones, and friends. That's kind of scary to think about but it might turn out great. There's parties, drinking eventually, independence, and most importantly: one step toward your career.
LovelyCreature17
April 14th, 2018 2:14am
Of course it's a normal state it life. Breathe and it will be okay! Everyone has or gone through this stage and it will be good.
AnxiousButterfly16
April 14th, 2018 5:24pm
Of course! Going to college is a big change, you go to a different environment, you meet many new people, you learn things you never learned before. It's only natural to feel scared when you experience such a big change.
SAHURAD
April 15th, 2018 11:46am
going to college can be overwhelming, the idea of adjusting to the new place and new friends. Being away from family and old friends. so yea its natural to be scared, but its life way of preparing for future. we have to live our own life, theres no one who would guide us till the end. who knows you may even like the new life, from my personal experience i had a hard time to grasp the idea that am free and no longer bound by my family or others to live my life, and that was a good thing. i refused to walk under the sheds of side paths because i wanted to spend my time under the open sky as long as i could. so may be being scared is good thing
FelixLlyod
April 15th, 2018 10:26pm
Of course, it is normal. College is a totally new experience for you and new experiences can be very scary. But every new experience is an adventure.
TheDragonsHeart
April 18th, 2018 6:18am
Yes, it’s very normal. It’s very different from school but at the same time it isn’t. It may be overwhelming to think about going to college where you don’t know anyone and the place might be bigger. You aren’t the only one, you’re not alone. This feeling will go once the first couple of weeks of college have past.
Anonymous
April 22nd, 2018 5:05am
Absolutely. Ask many kids in your class and they might feel the same way. College is a big jump from high school But they will make the transition as easy and gentle as they can(coming from someone who was also nervous and slowly adjusted)
fantasticMango70
April 22nd, 2018 10:06am
It's completely normal. It's a new, big change filled with the unknown. Everyone will be in the same boat and most will feel the same.
purplefaithful81
April 26th, 2018 10:20am
Oh it's definitely normal! College, whether it's a big or a small one, can be very scary. But the thing is, everyone is in the same position as you. When you get there, you'll realise that and your fear will go straight away. So yes, it is normal, but it goes as quickly as it comes.
AprylFools
April 26th, 2018 1:28pm
Of course it is! College is another milestone in your education, so you needn't feel insecure about being scared for it. Maybe try writing down why you're anxious and then see if you can spot a pattern which you can resolve!
LoveIsLife94
April 26th, 2018 4:55pm
Yes. Transitioning from school to college can be a daunting process and you will feel anxiety. Once you have settled the anxiety should disappear.
Joyfulsmile
May 2nd, 2018 9:54am
NO , but remember that every college is different, and that traditions and customs at your friends’ schools won’t necessarily apply to your experience. It doesn’t mean you’ll have to do the same!
Youcancallmewhateva
May 2nd, 2018 12:28pm
College is a big decision. But what matters is that you want to do it. Just think not it as the first day of elementary school.
CursesAndMagic
May 18th, 2018 1:36am
Of course! College is a big step and it’s often the unknown that scares people. It’s completely normal.
Anonymous
May 20th, 2018 1:23pm
Yes, going to college is a great new step ion life and it is totally normal to feel scared. There are many things that are going to change and the unsure aspects of life are always scary, but meanwhile the most fulfilling experiences possibly
Anonymous
May 18th, 2018 2:46pm
New experiences may scare us like going to college or moving to another city because we are going to meet new people an live in a place we have not been so far. Once you go there, it will fade away.
peacefulMango24
May 25th, 2018 5:47am
Yes, it is normal to feel scared to go to college as you want to make friends and do well by achieving good grades to setup your future.