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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
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.
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.
CorleoneVito1995
May 6th, 2018 2:46pm
Yes it is because it’s begging a new experience And your turning a new page in life see thispositive
BrandonCares1074
May 6th, 2018 6:30pm
Yes, this is normal as you are taking a big step in your life. All of your previous school years have been just for this and it is ok to feel nervous.
SosukeAizen
May 12th, 2018 3:06pm
Of course its normal. College can be a daunting experience but that's no reason to avoid going. New experiences can often seem scary and insurmountable but it is these experiences that allow us to grow and achieve more.
Anonymous
May 13th, 2018 11:51am
Its a totally normal thing to feel that way! College means theres gonna be a big change in your life and thats always scary. Just try not to push yourself too much, Im sure everything is going to be okay! Good luck!
Anonymous
May 16th, 2018 4:20pm
It is completely normal feeling scared. It's a new experience full of uncertainty and fear. Many people are leaving home for the first time and might not know anybody. I was terrified, I would be miles away from everybody I knew and petrified I wouldn't make any friends. Turns out, all the friends I did make in the end felt very similarly
Anonymous
May 16th, 2018 8:13pm
It's perfectly normal to have some fear about starting something new and having to adjust something unfamiliar.
Erynn
May 17th, 2018 1:35am
Yes! College is a big transition, and all big changes bring with them some anxiety. You are not alone in being worried about this move. You'll find most other freshmen are nervous to - even if they don't say it. For this very reason, most universities have built in activities and support specifically for newcomers so they can better acclimate to campus and make friends. Look for those opportunities and resources and let yourself know it is 100% okay and normal to feel nervous as you move to and begin college.
Anonymous
May 17th, 2018 8:03am
Yes it is, because you are going to start something new, something that you think is bigger than you
eternalOasis79
May 17th, 2018 9:31am
It is normal to fear any big change in life. College is a big change and comes with a lot of pressure academically, financially, and socially. It also can be incredibly rewarding, liberating, and fun. Experiencing some fear about setting off to college is completely normal, and means you are taking it seriously which is a good thing! Just remember to take some time to be excited too.
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 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.
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
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.
Anonymous
May 25th, 2018 11:20pm
Absolutely. When you take steps to improve your life and move into a career, the fear of the unknown, failure and success can be overwhelming. Keep your head up and eyes forward.
Anonymous
May 30th, 2018 12:40am
i feel the same way, too... it's completely normal. it's a new situation, new surroundings, new people... but sooner or later we will cope and get used to these things. its scary and new, but its the beginning to something great!
Anonymous
June 1st, 2018 3:24pm
Of course! It's a big change.. And actually not just one but a lot at the same time. Take your time to adjust or if you feel like you need help. Ask for a counselor of your college. And we are always here to listen too.
Anonymous
June 8th, 2018 8:24pm
Yes, this a very normal thing. College is a big change and a big decision, so it is natural to feel anxious or scared about it. If you find it hindering your ability to go to college, then you might want to seek help or talk to someone.