College is all about new things and experiences but with that, there might be some unexpected baggage that comes with it. Fears and phobias are something that may unexpectedly show up out of nowhere but don't fret, it's normal.
1. FOMO-Fear of missing out
One of the most common fears that is developed is the fear of missing out. College is most know for the memories you make and the crazy things you have done along the way. The hardest thing to master about school is balancing "work time" and "fun time". But everyone knows the golden rule of college "school comes first". You made it this far to give up on everything you have worked for. It may be hard to sit at home and be responsible when it seems like everyone else in the entire world is out there having fun. Hang in there. You can celebrate later when you're a baller with your grades.
2.Claustrophobia- Fear of confined spaces
You go from having your own room, to being put into a room the size of a UPS box that you have to share, peacefully, with another person. You may even be blessed by the college gods and find your roommate soulmate and form an unbreakable bond. If not though and you have Satan as your roommate, this might be the biggest challenge that you will face in your college career. Sometimes it can be too much but the thing to remember is to keep your cool. it will be over before you know it.
3. Didaskaleinophobia- Fear of going to school.
School is tough, but so is juggling fire while riding a unicycle. The thing to remember is that these, school and unicycling, are both achievable things, meaning that someone has already accomplished them before you. Be better than those who came before you!! If Britney Spears made it past 2007, you can make it through your college years.
4. Insectophobia - Fear of insects.
If you go to a school that dates back to the stone age, odds are that you will encounter some prehistoric insects that you didn't even know existed. This may cause you to take extreme measures to stay alive. You may use anything you can find to get rid of them like hairspray, duct tape, shoes. Sacrificing your friend is not uncommon either. It's either you or them against these insects. In this instance, it is survival of the fittest. Don't worry, over time the nightmares go away.
5. Kakorrhaphiophobia- Fear of failure or defeat.
In the words of A Cinderella Story, "Don't let the fear of striking out, keep you from playing the game". Failure is something that happens everyday but it is how you learn best. Don't forget that you are still great when you fail and everyday is a new day.
6.Mythophobia- Fear of myths or stories or false statements.
People talk, tell stories, and tell lies. Sometimes these stories may even be about you. It's going to happen at least once in your life.The best thing to do in this situation is to ignore them. Haters gonna hate. If people are not taking the time to find out the truth about you, then they are not worth your time.
7. Numerophobia- Fear of numbers.
For those of us who experience PTSD from high school math classes, numbers are something that we try and erase from our memory and everyday life. Save the numbers for the math majors. Jk. Take the bull by the horns. 1+1=2. There you go, you just did math.
8.Pocrescophobia- Fear of gaining weight. (Obesophobia)
Ever heard of the freshman 15? How about the sophomore 20? Guess what? This might happen to you but whether you are big, small, little, or tall, you are beautiful. Only a select few actually will eat broccoli over other foods. The other half do it begrudgingly. So eat the pizza and cookies because YOCO!!! You Only College Once. You have your entire life to work out and be fit and odds are, your body will hate you if you do this to yourself later.
9. Clinophobia- Fear of going to bed.
This fear will be the cause of your late nights that are the reason you have only slept two hours for the past 6 nights in a row. They cause bags under your eyes, sluggish behavior, and OCD (Obsessive Coffee Disorder). If you are drinking 6+ cups of coffee a day, check yourself! Sleep is not actually for the weak. Sleep is your friend. Naps are highly recommended. There will always be time for everything else on your to do list but sleep time is precious.
10.Glossophobia- The fear of public speaking. Not being able to do speeches.
Look, picturing everyone in their underwear will not actually make you more prepared to give a speech in front of your class. If anything, it will only make you more uncomfortable that you even went there with your thoughts. Practice makes perfect and remember that everyone has felt this way before. You are not the only one.
11. Cibophobia- The fear of food.
The cafeteria can be a scary place. You never know what to expect. One day, they could have your favorite food and the next day, it could be crawling off your plate. Never the less, you are stuck with it. It is your job to get creative and figure out something that you like. Be brave, be bold, and be open to new foods.
12. Chronophobia- The fear of the future. A persistent fear of what is to come.
The future is the scariest but greatest thing of all. It is the unknown and nobody can tell you what it will be like. Whatever you do, embrace it. Life is a journey with ups and downs and your future is something that you can always look forward to. And the best part is, it is all yours.
