Is it normal to feel scared for college?
Matthew Barrera
Updated on June 03, 2026
It's very normal to be nervous about going to college! it's a big change that can seem really daunting - the good news is 99%of your peers will be feeling a similar way, you're all going through it together. Getting used to the changes might take a bit of time but it won't take long to settle in.
Is it OK to be afraid of going to college?
The anxiety that you are experiencing is quite normal. Many graduating high school seniors begin to have anxieties about whether they will be able to succeed in college. Some of these anxieties may also be about leaving the familiarity of your home, family, and friends.What to do if I'm scared to go to college?
12 Things to Do If You are Scared to Go to College
- Build Self-Confidence By Counting Achievements. ...
- Learn Essential Life Skills. ...
- Prepare Very Well in Advance. ...
- Deal With Excess Adrenaline the Right Way. ...
- Start Making New Friends. ...
- Visit the Campus. ...
- Avoid Coffee and Alcohol. ...
- Count Your Blessings.
Why am I so worried about going to college?
Many factors contribute to the heightened risk for anxiety among college students. For example, sleep disruption caused by drinking excess caffeine and pulling all-nighters is associated with increased anxiety among college students. Loneliness also predicts mental health problems, including anxiety.What is your biggest fear about going to college?
Here are the top 10 fears students wrote about college.
- Choosing the Right Major.
- College Fees and Debt. ...
- Being Accepted for Who I Am. ...
- Picking the Right College. ...
- Making New Friends. ...
- Not Being Able to Maintain Good Grades. ...
- Meeting the Wrong People Who Get Me in Trouble. ...
- Losing My S.O. ...
How to Get Over the Fear of Starting College
What is fear of college called?
Didaskaleinophobia: Fear of Going to School | PikMyKid.Is anxiety common in college students?
Another study done by Penn State found that more than 60% of college students report anxiety as one of their major health concerns. College students struggling with anxiety cuts across all sexes and races. One study found that the rates of anxiety disorders reported by US college students doubled from 2008 to 2016.Is college harder than high school?
In summary, college classes are definitely harder than high school classes: the topics are more complicated, the learning is more fast-paced, and the expectations for self-teaching are much higher. HOWEVER, college classes are not necessarily harder to do well in.Is it okay to cry because of school?
Although crying is a perfectly normal human emotion that we all experience sometimes, it can be embarrassing to cry at school. Fortunately, there are a number of tips and tricks that can help you to hide your tears at school if you are having a rough day but don't want anyone else to know about it.What percent of college students have anxiety?
Anxiety is the top presenting concern among college students (41.6 percent), followed by depression (36.4 percent) and relationship problems (35.8 percent).What are college students most worried about?
Making FriendsOne of the biggest things that first year students worry about is whether or not they will make friends or fit in. Getting involved in clubs and student organizations is the best way to meet new people and find your own group of friends.