New situations one encounters in college are nerve racking for anyone, but social anxiety turns them into a fierce internal battle. I know I struggle with these every single time:

1. The first day of classes.

The start of a new semester brings back familiar reoccurring thoughts: “New people. New places. Will I be able to find the classroom? What if I can’t find it? What if I’m late? What if I go to the wrong class? Everything is going to go wrong!”

2. Speaking up in class.

I have forgotten everything I know. Did that sound logical? Everyone is staring and judging me. My best chance is probably just to stare at the ground, so the teacher won't call on me.

3. Group projects.

Julie isn't doing her job, but I don't want to talk to her about it, because she'll hate me and we'll get an F and then I'll die.

4. The dining halls.

The dining hall is a place to eat lunch with friends... or a place where everybody can see you and judge you. Take your pick. What if you have to eat alone? Everyone is staring at me. Do you think I look weird when I eat? Why do so many people have to eat in college?

5. Parties.

Everything you love combined: Meeting new people, making awkward small talk and overwhelmingly large crowds. What could possibly go wrong?

6. Texting.

Interacting with people is hard enough already, but now I can't even see their reactions! Am I not being expressive enough? Did that sound like what I meant? Why didn't they reply right away? I must have done something wrong.

7. Dating.

Trying to impress a person while simultaneously trying not to freak them out. Did I do something wrong? Do they think I am weird? Why am I here? No one's ever going to like me. Might as well be a cat lady.

8. Small talk.

What are you actually supposed to talk about during small talk? What happens when we run out of things to say? Why can't everyone just be comfortable standing in silence?

9. Networking.

Preparing for all the new after-college situations by trying to make a good first impression while facilitating small talk and trying to act normal. I'll just smile and pretend that I'm not panicking on the inside.

10. Office hours.

The professor hates me. I'm sure of it. They're not even smiling, and I interrupted them while they were doing work on the computer. I don't even have a good question. I should just leave and figure it out on my own.

11. The local cafe or coffee house.

I definitely can't focus while so many people are looking at me. How am I supposed to write this essay? Are they judging me on my frappuccino? Yup, I'm out. Back to my room. Who needs coffee?

What do you get anxious about in college?