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What is the scariest part about college?
What is the scariest thing
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4 answers

Charlotte Geiger
Public Health Science Student at the University of Maryland
151
Answers
Sykesville, Maryland
Updated
Charlotte’s Answer
Hi there,
The scariest part about college for many students is the fear of the unknown—not knowing exactly what to expect, how to handle challenges, or whether they’ll succeed. It’s a big transition where you’re suddenly more independent, responsible for managing your time, and faced with making important decisions on your own.
For some, the fear comes from academic pressure—worrying about whether they’ll keep up with tougher classes or maintain good grades. Others feel anxious about social aspects, like making new friends, fitting in, or dealing with loneliness, especially if they’re far from home.
There’s also the fear of failure—what if they don’t do well, or if their chosen major turns out not to be the right fit? Money can also be a scary part, as balancing tuition, rent, and daily expenses becomes a real challenge.
But here’s the good news: most students feel this way at some point, and it’s completely normal. The fear tends to ease as you get more comfortable with your routine, make friends, and realize that everyone else is figuring it out too. College can feel intimidating, but it’s also full of opportunities to grow, explore, and discover your strengths. You’ve got this
The scariest part about college for many students is the fear of the unknown—not knowing exactly what to expect, how to handle challenges, or whether they’ll succeed. It’s a big transition where you’re suddenly more independent, responsible for managing your time, and faced with making important decisions on your own.
For some, the fear comes from academic pressure—worrying about whether they’ll keep up with tougher classes or maintain good grades. Others feel anxious about social aspects, like making new friends, fitting in, or dealing with loneliness, especially if they’re far from home.
There’s also the fear of failure—what if they don’t do well, or if their chosen major turns out not to be the right fit? Money can also be a scary part, as balancing tuition, rent, and daily expenses becomes a real challenge.
But here’s the good news: most students feel this way at some point, and it’s completely normal. The fear tends to ease as you get more comfortable with your routine, make friends, and realize that everyone else is figuring it out too. College can feel intimidating, but it’s also full of opportunities to grow, explore, and discover your strengths. You’ve got this
Updated
Crystal’s Answer
Hi Addyson! College can be a big adventure with its own set of challenges, like tough courses, exams, and new social situations. But remember, these are things everyone faces. By learning to manage stress and keeping a positive outlook, you'll find that college can be an exciting journey.
Here are some tips to help you along the way:
- Plan your time wisely and prioritize tasks to avoid last-minute stress.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating well and getting enough sleep.
- Build a support network by connecting with friends and joining clubs.
Don't forget to enjoy your free time and take breaks when needed. Be patient with yourself, and you'll see that college isn't so daunting after all.
You've got this!
Here are some tips to help you along the way:
- Plan your time wisely and prioritize tasks to avoid last-minute stress.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating well and getting enough sleep.
- Build a support network by connecting with friends and joining clubs.
Don't forget to enjoy your free time and take breaks when needed. Be patient with yourself, and you'll see that college isn't so daunting after all.
You've got this!
Updated
Kristen’s Answer
I agree with Nija. You've totally got this Addyson! It's such an exciting time in your life, but excitement can also feel scary at times. It's new stuff and you're amazing for recognizing that fear goes hand-in-hand with new stuff. When I moved off to college, I missed my family. But then I created my own little family and learned bus routes and made grocery lists. You'll learn all of these things too. Remember to be patient with yourself. Looking back, I see now that I didn't give myself a ton of grace and I hope that you don't make the same mistake as me. It's ok to ask questions and gather information as you go along. You'll learn to budget and that can be intimidating. Talking to people, trying new things, seeing all types of different stuff it's all in how you choose to look at it. You're performing an experiment with your life and you should try to have fun with it whenever you can. Maybe that's the scariest part of it all: remembering that you're supposed to laugh. College is meant to be a wonderful opportunity for growth. You really don't need to have it all figured out right away. You're going to be just fine.
Take a deep breath and try to stay as positive as possible.
Talk with advisors and professors on the campus you're thinking of attending/or are currently at.
Keep in mind that your experience is unique to you!
Kristen recommends the following next steps:

Nija Jackson, LCSW
Compassionate and Dedicated Social Worker currently seeking Social Work opportunities to establish growth and longevity.
129
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Nija’s Answer
College can feel overwhelming, especially when you think you have to sort everything out by yourself, your future, your identity, your major, and your career. On top of that, managing stress, deadlines, and comparing yourself to others can be tough. It might seem like one mistake could ruin everything, but that's not the case. Many people worry about not fitting in or not being good enough, especially during tough times or when they feel lost. Remember, you're not alone in these feelings, and you don't need to have everything figured out to succeed. You've got this!