Moderated by
Johanna Liasides, MSc, PhDc
Psychologist
I work with youth and young adults to help them improve depressive symptoms and self-esteem as well as effectively address family, relationship and peer conflicts.
Top Rated Answers
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
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.
Anonymous
July 9th, 2018 7:10pm
absolutely normal, college is a new chapter of your life. A drastic change. Being scared of the unknown is totally understandable
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes! I was sooooo scared but I came to like it. It's an adventure and a path to self-discovery! :)
Yes it is completely normal. When I first started college I was Terrified. I wasn’t sure if I could handle the workload or make friends, but I enjoy going to college it is not as bad as it seems.
Anonymous
June 23rd, 2018 8:20am
Yes! I mean..I guess..Maybe it's because you still can't believe it and that you don't wanna..Trust me it's okay to feel that way..
College can often feel like a very scary place :o i can imagine alot of people would feel the same - afterall, the stress of homework and being around people all day can certainly feel overwhelming! If you feel as though it gets too much, you could try to talk about it with a professional, or a listener on 7cups! Take care â¤
It's normal to feel scared for anything in general. To answer this question: yes, it is normal to feel scared to go to college. It's okay, everything will be alright as long as it is believed to be. (:
Yes. If you've never been then fear of the unknown happens to everyone but after you become familiar with the routine it should settle.
Anonymous
July 5th, 2018 6:42am
Of course. College is a big step, a big change from what you may be used to, but it most likely won’t be so scary once you start going.
Yes of course it's normal,it's a milestone and it's a change which is scary.But feel better knowing everyone is scared.
Anonymous
July 6th, 2018 2:40am
Absolutely! It's an experience unlike anything you've been through. New things are hard. It's fair for you to struggle with them. Just know that whatever happens in college, it just a stepping stone in your life!
of course, this is perfectly normal, this is a big change and something new that is happening in your life
Anonymous
September 5th, 2018 10:16pm
Of course, this is perfectly normal, and you have many reasons to feel this way. Going to collage looks scary because you are going away from the only home you might have every known, and to a place where you don't know anyone. A way to look at college differently is just another school, like your transfer from elementary to middle, and middle to high, this is just another exciting step in your life! There is so much to look forward to, such as a fresh start, new friends, classes that interest you, a new level of freedom, and the ability to finally get to know yourself!
Yes, it is normal to feel scared going off to college. You are leaving a familiar surrounding and entering into a new one. This is most likely the first time you have had the opportunity to live on your own. It is a new place with new people and you do not know what to expect. People often make attending college seem like a fun thing to do but it is not always like that. There is no family support. People often fear not being able to perform as well academically. Being scared is normal, but the key is not allowing fear to take control. Remember, fear is not real; you are in control.
Yes, it is normal! It's a new environment with new people! Change can be scary and it is completely normal :)
Yes, college is a whole new step that you have never taken before. Everyone will go their separate ways. You'll meet new people and have new experiences. It's pretty much the start to a new life for you. So, yes it is completely normal not to mention common to feel scared about going to college.
I think if there are several circumstances it is not uncommon.
For example you have bad experiences with school in the past. If someone is affected by mobbing and bullying at college for example she/he will surly be scared to go to the college. Or if someone has extremly problems with the learning stuff it will be not uncommon too.
I think there can be several other reason too which make it normal to be scared to go to college or to school generally.
Anonymous
October 13th, 2020 8:24pm
It's normal to feel that way when it's our first time going in there right after good memories in school or because of not so good experiences that we have been facing at college. The only thing that would not be good here is letting that fear have a control on you which will not make you reach your goal of getting a good education. Focus on the process of learning new things everyday and eventually getting good grades with a degree at the end and try to get that fear out slowly. Hope this helps :)
Anonymous
March 16th, 2021 10:13pm
Yes, especially going to a new college with new people. It’s a different environment which you are not used to so it’s normal to feel scared :). Usually this will dissipate as you settle in and make friends and get comfortable in the new environment (which sounds scary but trust me once you find just 1 person to talk to, everything else will come into place and you will be much more confident). Being scared to go to college may have something to do with social anxiety or anxiety with school work, and if it’s something like this and happens extremely often then it is something where you may need to talk to a therapist (or for something more relaxed you can chat here at 7cups!) but just know everyone has a form of anxiety at times of their lives, it’s when they’re recurring and often that it’s more of a problem (not a huge one don’t worry, it’s something that can be overcome :)).
Definitely. It's a big departure from what you've gotten used to-- all the new people, new place, new things to do-- and so you might feel scared that you're not ready. But don't' worry, it happens to the best of us :) But maybe you can view it as a new opportunity to work on yourself-- you'll learn so many things inside and outside school, you'll meet new people, you'll experience new things-- and that isn't too bad, isn't it? It's just you taking on a new step towards experiencing life, as you get to know yourself better, and make new friends as well.
Yes it is! I went off to college this year and was very nervous and scared. You're away from home without your parents possibly for the first time in your life. Just remember this, pretty much everyone is in the same boat as you. Don't hesitate to say hi to someone that looks like they might be having a rough time. That's how I met some of my greatest friends. It is a scary and new time in your life but rest assured your RA's( If you are dorming) Res-directors, teachers and pretty much everyone there are there to help you adjust as best as possible to college life.
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