After sending out your college applications, you finally received the acceptance letter you were waiting for. You’ve spent the past few months thinking about your future as a college student and getting ready for this new chapter in your life. You’re excited to make new friends, start taking classes in your major, and explore your campus. But you can’t help but feel nervous, too. Maybe you’re moving far away from your family and friends. Perhaps you don’t know what you want to study yet.
College represents a large investment of your time and money. And if you’re moving into a dorm, this is probably the first time that you’ve lived outside of your parents’ house. It’s normal to feel nervous! Here are a few ways to get your anxiety under control so that you can fully enjoy the college experience.
Focus on the Positives
It’s all too easy to start ruminating on everything that could go wrong when you arrive on campus. You might be scared that you won’t get along with your roommate, your classes will be too hard, or that you won’t know how to find your way around.
It can be helpful to identify a few things that you’re particularly excited about. For instance, you could look up fun extracurriculars that your school offers. Try to check out the syllabus for a class you’re excited about. Consider learning about interesting work-study opportunities or internships, too.
Reach Out to Your School
What if you have specific questions about which courses you need to register for, where you’ll be living, your orientation schedule, or anything else about campus life and academics? Get in touch with the right points of contact at your school.
You can ask them directly! You may need to reach out to your academic advisor or talk to a professional in residence life. Remember, it’s their job to help. So if you have questions, don’t hesitate to ask!
Ask for Guidance
The faculty and staff at your college aren’t the only people who can answer your burning questions about campus life and set your mind at ease. If you have older siblings or cousins who have gone to college recently, or if you have friends who are already a year or two into their own college experiences, you can turn to them for support!
They’ve been in your shoes before. They’ll probably be able to give you some valuable advice.
Learn What to Expect
Maybe you feel nervous simply because you don’t know what to expect once you arrive at school. In this case, it can be a good idea to dive into all of the informational materials that your college provides. Learn more about everything from the layout of the campus to the different clubs and activities that students can partake in.
Check out your school’s website, read the information packet that you likely received with your acceptance letter, and browse their social media pages, too.
Have Fun Before Your First Semester
Finally, don’t forget to let yourself have a little fun before you head off to school. Are you relocating a few hours from your friends and family? Make it a point to spend more time with them before you have to say your temporary goodbyes.
Embrace what your area has to offer, and make the most of everything you won’t be able to do at school. For instance, if you live near the beach, but you’ll be going to college in a city, enjoy the sun and sand!
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Are you struggling with anxiety about starting college? Talking to a therapist can help. Reach out to us to discuss your options for scheduling your first session.
