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 depends on the person, naturally: what is normal for one may perfectly not be for another. College is an important part of a student's life, so I'd say being afraid of it is normal. It is the way you lead with that fear that defines whether it is healthy or not.
Yes it is very normal , especially if you are going to a college and living their away from home. It could be very frighting.
Yes. Absolutely. It's a huge change, and that stuff IS scary!
I am going in a couple of months and I'm excited, of course, but also kind of terrified! But I am pretty sure every single person you'll attend college with feels the exact same way!
Maybe you have some struggles that make going away even more scary. If that's the case, then preparing for how you'll handle those things once you get there would be a great place to start. I, for example, want to make sure I can keep seeing my therapist, but as I see her online it's not a problem - however if I saw her in person I'd want to research my options. I hope this helps. Hugs!
Very normal! I was petrified to go to college! Just always know that you’re doing something great for your life and you won’t regret it :)
College is a great time in life and the transition you are making, both socially and biologically, can cause significant anxiety. This is normal.
Have faith in the people you talk to. Your support system may have much more experience than you do and trust them.
Anonymous
November 17th, 2017 12:23am
Yes it is normal to be scared to go to college because the environment will be different and fast it's nothing like high school or middle school. Though college might be scary it's also really fun because it's where you can be able to broaden you skills.
I think it is for some people, it's a whole new experience. We get to a new place, with people we don't know, so it can be scary, but you have to remember that most of the people is in the same situation, and this makes people be more friendly.
Anonymous
November 17th, 2017 9:37pm
Of course! College is a completely new school environment. You may not be living in the same house, it's all new courses, new friends, etc. Feeling scared is completely normal when going to college.
Anonymous
November 18th, 2017 5:32am
It's absolutely normal! College is a huge transition and it bears a lot of weight for what we will do for the rest of our lives because of the society we live in. A helpful activity you can do before you head off to college is to make a list of the fears and anxieties you are having about college and classify them as rational or irrational. This can be very helpful in understanding what exactly you're afraid of and allow you to remedy as many as you can before you head off. It would be most effective to do this list with someone you trust.
Anonymous
November 18th, 2017 11:15am
It is normal to be scared of any change. Especially one as big as a change from your friendly small neighbourhood school to a college with big rooms and new people.
However, most people end up loving college and meeting many new and friendly people.
Irrespective of what you're like as a person, in college, everyone finds a place.
Yes. I am also scared to go to college which is very normal because It's a new step in life. You will do great in college and will meet new people
Absolutely, going to college is a pretty big transition. I was terrified at first, but I ended having a great time there. Don't feel bad about being scared, a lot of people do when facing a big change, it's totally normal.
Fear of going to college is normal and very common. Many people fear leaving the comfort zone of high school and living at home. When that comfortable routine gets disturbed it can cause anxiety.
Yes, of course it is. College means changes and some people are scared of course changes. It's completely okay to feel that way.
Yes. Many people feel that way when they are on their way to college. Your feelings of being scared are completely normal.
Perfectly normal. College can be a huge deal especially since it's such a big change. Honestly though, there's a lot more freedom involved and you'll love it!
Anonymous
November 29th, 2017 12:05am
Of course! College for sure is a bit of a scary thought so it is normal to feel a bit anxious. If these feelings overwhelm you though, it may be a good idea to talk to someone you trust.
Of course, change is hard, expecially a big change like that. Once you get ajusted you should start to feel better.
yes it is, a new experience especially one with a profound influence on ones future will and can be nerve racking
Yes, it's extremely normal to feel scared at college, especially with the amount of pressure being put on students these days.
Anonymous
December 9th, 2017 4:05am
Of course! It's just nerves! Going to college is a new chapter in your life and of course you'll be nervous! Will I make friends? Will everything be okay? Of course! It'll all work out in the end so stay confident!
Yes, absolutely. It's a major life change and it won't be without its challenges. Any big step is bound to bring feelings of fear and anxiety - that's why it's a big step!
Leaving your family, friends, and home can be a daunting experience. The fear of the unknown can be overwhelming, but think about it like this: There are hundreds of colleges, each with thousands of students, statistically speaking many of those students feel exactly the way you do!
Anonymous
December 11th, 2017 7:27pm
Yes, feeling scared about college is a very normal feeling. It's a big step in your life, however, you can do great things! Just take a step back, and gather your thoughts. It will be okay.
Anonymous
December 13th, 2017 9:54am
Of course! College is intimidating and of course it's all the social pressure that you HAVE to go and you HAVE to do well or you've failed. Go in with no expectations and grab the bull by the horns and go for it.
It is! Trying to orientate new places, new people, new orders always scare us. Because we don't know what we will encounter with. But it is essential to keep in mind that when we look back to our first day in high school and following years there is a huge gap. This will apply to college as well. That's why keep calm and enjoy all the changes!
Yes! Going to college can feel very stressful and scary because it's a new step that you are taking in your life. It's also a big one. If you are moving away from your home to get to the college too, or move in one of the dorms, it could be why you are feeling so scared. It will be okay after you get used to the new experience. Sending love your way!
Many people find it scary I think it’s a normal reaction to starting college it’s a very big thing that as in its self it’s own challenges and stressers that can be very scary and overwhelming to most people.
Anonymous
December 16th, 2017 6:57pm
yes it’s completely normal to feel nervous about change, especially something like college. Try to focus on the positives of the experience for example making new friends and learning new things.
Anonymous
December 16th, 2017 8:52pm
Of course, transitioning into an adult is scary on its own, but having to go to school and pick something you want to do for the rest or majority of your life is even scarier. Not to mention not a lot of your friends will go to your college, so it might feel like starting over as well.
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