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How can I get over my nerves about starting college?

I'm a high school senior and first-day jitters are already getting to me. I don't know what to do about it. I don't go to college until the fall, but any tips for my first day of college would be appreciated. Thank you!

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CHUNTING’s Answer

Hi Gabrielle,

I have a couple of easy tips for you:

- Get to know the campus: Before your first day, try to learn about the campus layout. If you can, visit the campus or check out virtual tours online. Make sure you know where your classes, the cafeteria, and the library are.

- Learn your schedule: Take a look at your class schedule and plan how you'll move from one class to the next. See how much time you'll need to get between buildings and aim to arrive early for each class.
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Wendy’s Answer

Hi there, First day jitters are completely normal, but there are plenty of ways to ease your nerves and set yourself up for a great start to college. Here are some practical tips to help you feel more confident and prepared.
- Prepare ahead of time, eg. Pack your bag the night before. Check your schedule, Dress comfortably
- Arrive Early. give yourself extra time to find classroom, scope out study spots, the library, and dining halls so you feel more familiar with the campus.
- Stay open & approachable. Smile and make eye contact, introduce yourself to classmates, join group chats or social media pages
- Get to know your professors. Stay a minute after class, review syllabi carefully
- Manage anxiety in the moment. Take deep breaths, remind yourself that everyone is adjusting, and it is okay to feel unsure at first, keep positive mindset
- Take care of yourself. Get enough sleep, eat a good breakfast, hydrate and take breaks
- Remember: It is Okay to ask for help
Wish you all the best in the new journey!
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Kent’s Answer

Hey there! The very fact that you’re reflecting on this right now is a testament to your dedication and desire to succeed. That’s a powerful strength! It shows you genuinely care about your journey and want to set yourself up for the best possible outcome. Keep that mindset—it will take you far!

The nerves you’re feeling are completely normal. You’re stepping into a new environment, bigger opportunities, and more freedom than you’ve ever had before — it should feel a little scary! But it can also be exciting once you reframe it.

Here are a few tips that helped a lot of people (and would’ve helped me too if I had known them sooner):

Picture your future self.
Imagine yourself 3-6 months into college — walking confidently across campus, knowing people, feeling at home. That person is you, just a little bit ahead.

Kent recommends the following next steps:

Remember: everyone is nervous. Even if people look confident, almost everybody is wondering, “Will I fit in? Am I ready?” Knowing you’re not alone in that feeling takes a lot of pressure off.
Focus on small wins. Your goal isn’t to have the perfect first day. Your goal is to do simple things like: • Find your classes • Talk to one new person • Learn something new about the campus That’s it. Tiny wins build big confidence.
Be friendly, even if you feel awkward. A simple “Hi, I’m [Your Name] — what’s your major?” can go a long way. Most people are secretly grateful when someone else makes the first move to start a conversation.
Give yourself permission to be a beginner. You’re supposed to feel new at college — that’s the point. Nobody expects you to know everything. Being open to learning is way more powerful than trying to seem like you already have it all figured out.
Make your first day as easy on yourself as possible. Plan your outfit, pack your bag, find your building locations on a map the night before if you can. That way you’re not scrambling and can focus on the experience.
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