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
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
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.
Justaleek
January 11th, 2018 2:34am
Its completely normal to feel scared to go to college! Even if you aren’t leaving home you’ll be in a whole new environment that you know nothing about and that can be scary! It’s just about adjusting to the new environment that you’re in and that can take time but once you settle in and find your groove you’ll realize it’s a lot less scary than you think
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
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
January 24th, 2018 6:38am
Of course! It is an new experience, and you might not be quite sure what to expect. Most people are nervous when going to college, or any new school! Once you are there and begin to make friends, get to know the campus, and do well in your classes, you will feel much better.
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
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!!
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
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.
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!
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
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 :)
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!!
IsabellaUnicorn
February 14th, 2018 3:15am
I believe that it is absolutely normal to feel scared. This is a big, possibly biggest, change you have had so far in your life. You are leaving he place you have been forever and being placed somewhere completely new- with new people- and that’s frightening. That's not saying that it is not going to become non-scary, you will adjust just like you have with every other challenge thrown your way. Granted this one is much, much larger but still the same you can and will get though it, and be stronger because of it.
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.
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 :)
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.
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.
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.