Is It Just Nerves or Something More? Understanding Pre-College Anxiety
You’re preparing for your first semester of college, and your initial excitement is turning into anxiety. It’s normal to feel nervous before starting college. Not only does this transition represent a significant lifestyle change, you might also be moving to another state, saying goodbye to close friends and family, dealing with financial instability, or wondering if you’ve chosen the right major.
Committing to a particular college is the kind of decision that opens you up to countless other decisions down the line. It’s easy to see why standing on the precipice of this new phase can be anxiety-inducing. Let’s explore the many facets of pre-college anxiety, and how you can overcome these challenges.
Fear of the Unknown
Pre-college anxiety represents a fear of the unknown. If you’re nervous because you feel uncertain about different aspects of college life, such as getting around campus, which classes you need to take, or how you’ll make friends, it’s time to do some research. You might want to reach out to your academic advisor, arrive at school a bit early so you’ll have time to map out the locations of your classes, or look up different clubs and extracurriculars that your school offers.
Missing Friends and Family
If you’re packing up and heading to a school several hours away from your hometown, you might already dread saying goodbye to your friends and family. Come up with fun ways to stay in touch! This could include sending care packages or letters, FaceTiming, or planning regular visits.
While you’re still in town, make the most of your last few weeks or days before you depart for school. Create plenty of space in your schedule for your friends and visit your favorite spots in your area.
Worries About Homesickness
It’s normal to feel homesick when you’re about to leave for college. Even if you haven’t started packing yet, you might be dwelling on aspects of your life at home that you’ll miss.
Think about reminders of home that you can bring with you, or local items that your family can send you while you’re away. Print out some of your favorite photos and purchase nice frames to display them, or create a collage for your walls.
Furthermore, you can also try jotting down a list of things you’re looking forward to exploring on your new campus. By opening yourself up to new experiences, college can begin to feel like a second home.
Questioning Your Major
Whether your college requires you to declare a major before starting your first semester, or you’ve registered as a particular major of your own accord, you may be questioning your decision. Making such a big choice at the age of 18 can be stressful.
Remember, you do not have to plan out every aspect of your professional future during your first semester of college. Take your coursework seriously and allow yourself to explore other possibilities. Research different career paths, talk to your professors, and look into internships and mentorship opportunities to gain more experience.
Unrealistic Expectations
Right now, you might be putting a lot of pressure on yourself to have the “perfect” college experience. Popular media has created lots of myths around the ideal college experience. But clinging to these expectations can quickly lead to disappointment.
Think about what you really hope to gain from college, whether it’s learning new skills, making friends, or simply the challenge of starting fresh. Focus on your own personal goals rather than living up to media expectations.
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If you’re struggling with pre-college jitters, our anxiety therapists can prepare you for this new chapter in your life. Contact us with questions or to schedule your first appointment.