If You're Feeling Anxious For College, You're Not Alone.
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

If You're Feeling Anxious For College, You're Not Alone.

*insert jazz hands to cover up the insecurity of starting this "new chapter"*.

64
If You're Feeling Anxious For College, You're Not Alone.
Kate Piering

"I'm just so excited for a new start!"

"I can't wait for all the responsibility."

"I'm so ready to leave home and just be on my own and work at my own pace."

These are all things that I heard frequently in the weeks leading up to college, and you may be as well. I remember being so uncomfortable and awkward because I had no idea how to respond whenever someone would say that to me. Do I pretend to be excited as well? Do I abruptly change the subject? I often would go for the simple smile-and-nod-politely-while-remaining-oddly-quiet-while-still-acting-natural. Did it work? Usually. Was I still faking my excitement and hiding my true feelings completely? 100%.

The truth is, I was absolutely terrified for college. I was dreading it. I had no motivation to start packing, buy dorm decorations, say goodbye, or get excited in any way. I vividly remember taking the required survey that all incoming freshmen had to take, seeing the open-ended response question that asked, what are you most excited for about this school year? I shrugged, took a deep breath, and wrote back the thought-provoking reply of, absolutely nothing.

I felt ashamed. Every day, I saw my friends posting on social media about all the exciting things they were planning for, how pumped they were for the new school year, and all the reasons why this should be something to look forward to, not have panic-attacks over.

I wish I would have known that all of these feelings weren't completely unique to me. Although I felt like there was nobody else feeling anxious or nervous to begin this "new chapter" of their lives, the reality behind it all is that everyone is feeling anxious. Everyone is nervous. Everyone has no idea where any of their classes are going to be. Everyone is hiding their true feelings. Everyone is faking their nerves so they appear to be more confident and subsequently fit in with the rest of the crowd.

There is not a single person who knows exactly what they're going to do on the first day of classes, or what their friends are going to be like, or how much they will succeed. However, one thing that is true for everyone is this: everyone has the opportunity to make this year big and scary change completely their own. Everybody has the chance to do something different, begin a new habit, change something about themselves, and try something new. The anxiety and fear might be real, but so is the way that we choose to manage and handle it all. We can choose to let our uncertainties consume us, or we can decide to let go of it all and live in the freedom that school brings.

Feel the anxiety. Feel the nerves. Feel it all. Then choose how to live with it.

And know that no matter what you're feeling, you are not alone.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

55781
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

35958
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

957953
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

186887
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments