Are you wondering if college is scary? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. As a recent college graduate, I know the reasons why students tend to find college scary.
For some students, college is a chance for a fresh start and a once in a life time experience. For others, college is stressful, long and hard. Which raises the question…
Is it Scary to Go to College?
For students, college is scary because it’s a new environment, there are students of all ages and many students are living on their own for the first time. However, with time students get used to going to college and adapt to their new environment. Thus, making college a more enjoyable experience instead of a scary one.
In this post, I share 9 reasons why college is scary and the ways to make your transition into college easier.
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9 Reasons Why Going to College is Scary
1. New Environment
Many freshman college students find the new environment scary, because they don’t know what to expect. Walking around college for the first time, makes a lot of people feel out of their comfort zone.
The mix of a big campus, college classes and unfamiliar faces can be very scary for new students. However, not knowing what to expect at the beginning is simply part of the college experience.
It’s very common for freshman to feel nervous and scared because of the new environment when they first start college.
Solution:
One of the best ways to prepare for the new environment is to ask your family, siblings and older friends about their college experience. Speaking to different people will help paint the picture of what college is truly like.
Additionally, doing research online and seeing how other people prepared for college will make your transition into college a lot easier. The great thing about the internet, is that you have endless resources that will help get you prepared for college.
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2. Living on Your Own
One of the most common fears for new college students is living on their own. Most young adults rely on their parents to cook, do the laundry and go grocery shopping.
Living on your own will be a big change, especially in your first year of college. However, there are some ways that you can prepare to make the transition into college life a lot easier.
Solution:
A great way to prepare for living on your own is to ask your parents how to do the laundry, clean and cook some basic meals. This is a good idea as it will make your transition into college go smoothly.
Additionally, knowing how to cook, clean and do the laundry will come in handy once you step into the real world.
3. Intense Workload
There’s no denying that going to college does require a certain amount of hard work and effort. Many high school students don’t realize that when you’re in college, the teachers do not care whether you pass or fail their class.
Due to the shorter semesters and harder class material, many freshman get caught off guard. In college, the workload piles up very quickly. Before you know it you will have multiple assignments, projects and tests to study for.
Solution:
The best ways to prepare yourself for the intense workload in college is to have the proper materials, stay organized and to get help before you fall behind.
The school year will pass by very quickly, so if there’s something you don’t understand, visit your teacher during their office hours. This will give you the chance to ask questions and better understand the material that’s being taught in class.
Here’s a list of college essentials that will help you be prepared for college and stay organized:
- Notebooks
- Agenda
- Pens
- Pencils
- Highlighter
- Pencil case
Tip: If you spend a lot of time studying and asking your teachers questions, you are setting yourself up for success in college.
Related: 27 College Desk Essentials Every Student Needs
4. Shorter Semesters
One of the really scary things about college is the shorter semesters. Having shorter semesters means that you will be learning at a much faster pace than you did in high school.
This means that you will have homework, assignments and tests very regularly throughout your years of college. Be prepared to spend a lot of time studying in the library and in your dorm room!
Solution:
Use your agenda and write down important assignment, test and exam dates. An agenda is a wonderful way to manage your time and workload throughout the semester.
At the end of the day, college is very manageable as long as you are organized and put in the effort.
5. New Friends
If you’re going to a college that’s out of state, there’s a good chance that you will have to make new friends. If you’re introverted or just have trouble making friends, the idea of having to meet new people can be a really scary thought.
Rest assured, many other students feel the exact same way.
Solution:
College is actually a great place to make new friends because many other students are in the exact same boat as you. Whether it’s an international student or a student from a different state, everyone wants to have friends in college.
Making friends in college is not as scary or hard as it may seem. By going to college events, joining clubs and hanging out around campus, you will meet new people, make new friends and maybe even make a new best friend.
Related: How to Make Friends in College – By a Recent Graduate
6. Older Students
In college, there will be students in your classes of all ages. When I first got to college, I felt a bit intimidated by the students that were older. I didn’t want to seem dumb in front of them.
Many freshman feel this way, however older students aren’t as intimidating as you may think.
Solution:
Older students were once freshman too, and they understand what it’s like to be a new college student. The majority of the time, older students are very nice. In fact if you have any questions or need any advice, they will be there to help.
7. Big Lectures
One of the biggest challenges that new students face in college is getting used to the big lectures. In college, you will have some classes with over 100 students in it.
This means that asking questions, paying attention in class and following along will be a lot harder. Many students find having a large class much scarier as it’s filled with unfamiliar faces.
Solution:
In college, the reality is that you will have classes in big lectures halls. As scary as it is, overtime you will get used to it and realize that it really isn’t so bad.
Related: Is the First Semester of College Hard & How You Can Prepare
8. Homesickness
It’s no secret that being away from home for months at a time can make you miss your family. At first, new students are excited to get away from home. However, a lot of freshman end up getting homesick after a few weeks.
If you’re scared to be away from home for months at a time, don’t worry, it’s perfectly normal. Going away to college is a big change ,and being away from your family is a big part of the college experience.
Solution:
If you find yourself feeling homesick in college, try FaceTiming your family regularly, text your loved ones and surround yourself with some supportive friends.
Try not to let feeling homesick ruin your time in college, as the semester will pass by quicker than you think. Before you know it, you’ll be done your first semester of college and you will be back home with your family.
Tip: If you’re having trouble in class, adapting to the new environment or with homesickness, speak to the college advisors.
9. The First Day!
The first day of school is going to be a roller coaster of emotions. At first, you will be nervous. However, as the day goes on you will see that it’s not too bad.
Many new college students get caught up in the idea of the first day and they overthink it. In reality, the first day is not too bad and everything is going to be okay.
Solution:
Focus on getting through your first day of college. If you’re not sure where your class is or if you have any questions just ask the other students.
The first day of college may seem scary, however it’s really not too bad and it will pass by very quickly.
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Final Thoughts on Is College Scary?
For many freshman, college is a scary new experience. The good news is that overtime you will adapt to the new environment and you will feel comfortable going to college.
The first few weeks of college may be a big change, however it only gets better. As time goes on, you will make friends, have a proper routine and your dorm room will feel like home.
In this post, I shared the 9 scary things about college and some ways to make your transition into college easier.
What’s the scariest thing about starting college? Please let me know in the comments below.