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
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Imprezzza
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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?
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
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
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 :)
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 :).
Anonymous
April 5th, 2018 8:46pm
Absolutely. Going to college is often a person's first experience living without their parents which can be pretty scary
saxophonist02
April 6th, 2018 4:16am
Of course!! College is a new experience and leads you into adulthood. I know, they say high school does that, but it's simply an introduction. Honestly, in college, focus and stay calm. Don't push yourself past your limits and be open to new opportunities.
SpiritAlchemistAlexandra
April 6th, 2018 3:43pm
Going to college is a huge step, especially for someone who does not have clear direction about the future! It can be very scary when you have to make decisions about your future at such a young age.
WestVirginia
April 6th, 2018 5:59pm
Definitely! Any sort of change can be scary, but eventually you find your people and where you fit in! Sometimes you learn that the school you're in isn't the right fit, or even that college isn't for you, and that's okay too. You just have to step out of your comfort zone and try new things to figure out who you are and what you love.
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.