Coping With Fears About Going To College

Many high school graduates plan to go to college to get a higher education and start a rewarding career. After the excitement of high school graduation fades, those heading off to college may experience fear and anxiety as they start to wonder what college life will bring. If this sounds like you, don’t worry; you’re not alone. It may seem like everyone else in your situation has it all figured out, but therapists report that anxiety tends to be the most common mental health concern for college students. You can combat anxiety by visiting campus before moving in, staying in touch with family, making time for self-care, and forming new friendships. For additional help, consider scheduling an online or in-person session with a licensed therapist.

Common causes of anxiety related to college

To work through your fears about going to college, it can help to identify what could be causing them.

Any new experience can be scary, and going to college usually has the added element of being away from home and your family for what may be the first time. Some research shows that as many as 70% of college students may experience homesickness. The fear of the unknown and the lack of your usual support system can lead to significant anxiety, and you may not be sure how to cope with it.

You may also be learning to live in a completely new environment. Whether you’re moving into a dorm or apartment, living alone or with roommates can be both exciting and stressful. You may feel anxious about meeting new people, organizing your possessions, adapting to a new living space, eating meals in the dining hall, and putting life skills to the test for the first time.

Going away to college typically represents a new phase of life. College can mean substantial responsibilities, new relationships, and higher expectations. Some might consider it an early step toward adulthood, which can seem like a lot to take on all at once. Therefore, it may not be surprising that many college students experience anxiety.

How to cope with fears about going to college

Here are some tips for coping with college-related fears to help you on your upcoming adventure. 

Prepare ahead of time

If your college has an orientation week or a special event for new students before the school year begins, plan to attend it. You will likely receive a letter or email with the details, but it can be best to check out ​​your college's Facebook group and follow it on social media for additional information and networking opportunities. Exploring campus and putting yourself out there can help you adjust to being there all the time. 

You can also see if there are any social media groups or pages to join so you can start to get to know people. You might join various Facebook groups connected to your school or reach out to your roommate so you can start getting to know each other before you move into the dorm. 

Make your new space feel like home

Whether you have a dorm or an apartment, the more you can make it comfortable and homey, the better. Hanging up photos of your family and friends from home and stocking your mini-fridge and cupboard with your favorite snacks and treats can help you feel more at ease. 

Try to make your bed as comfortable as possible to help you get a good night’s sleep. You may also want to consider setting up a dedicated workspace that’s separate from your bed and the place where you relax. Research shows that clutter may be related to procrastination and can increase anxiety, so try to keep your space as tidy as you can.  

Stay connected to your family

Research shows that daily assurances from parents can help students cope with the stress and daily loneliness of adjusting to college, so staying in touch with family can make a difference in how you adjust to this new phase of life.

Find support from new friends

Instead of spending time online, it can be ideal to make an effort to connect with people in real life. Try joining clubs, pledging a sorority or fraternity, or finding volunteer opportunities at organizations that matter to you. Seeking out people who share your interests and values can make it easier to connect with them. 

Make time for self-care

Self-care can play a role in supporting mental health, so try to make time to take care of yourself. Some people might think of spa days and pedicures when they think of self-care, but it can be as simple as a hot shower or making time for a hobby that brings you joy. Anything that helps you feel your best, mentally, physically, and emotionally, can be considered self-care. Some ideas you can try are exercising regularly, getting seven to nine hours of sleep each night, watching your favorite TV show, or reading a book you enjoy instead of a textbook.

Stay busy

Staying busy can distract you from being homesick and allow you to meet new people. It may be tempting to isolate when you feel down, but keeping busy with schoolwork, social events, and campus activities can help you feel more connected to campus and the college's students.

Address your triggers

Identifying what triggers your fears or anxiety can help you manage them. For example, drinking too much alcohol or caffeine, not getting enough sleep, and eating an unhealthy diet can cause unwarranted anxiety and fear. Once you realize that these factors may contribute to your undesired feelings, you can take the necessary steps to correct them. 

Talk to a professional

Talking to a mental health professional can also help you work through your fears about college. Many colleges have mental health resources available to help you cope with the transition to campus life and build self-confidence, including peer counseling and mental health services from licensed therapists.

Benefits of online therapy 

Online therapy can also be a great option for anyone attending college, as you can attend sessions from your dorm room and continue to work with your therapist from home during school breaks if needed. Because there’s no commute and thousands of therapists available, online therapy can make scheduling sessions around your college coursework easier. 

Effectiveness of online therapy

Research shows that online therapy generally produces the same client outcomes as in-person therapy, and it can be a valid form of treatment for anxiety and a variety of other mental health concerns.