10 Ways To Calm Pre-College Nerves
If you clicked on this blog post, it’s probably because you’re about to begin college and you’re having some pre-college nerves, which is completely normal.
But before I continue, I’m going to stop and say congratulations! College is a huge step and you should be proud of yourself for getting to this point.
Back to the blog post—today, I’m going to cover 10 ways to calm your pre-college nerves. Hopefully, you can take something that resonates and feel a little more confident heading into your first semester.
1. Talk to friends and family
Heading off to college is a huge transition—you’re starting a new chapter of life away from everything you’ve always known. It’s exciting, but it can also be scary. Talk things out with the people closest to you—it’s important to get support and reassurance from the people you trust and love. Sometimes all we need to hear is that we’re not alone in our feelings. And remember, no worry is too silly.
2. Journal about your anxieties
If you don’t already journal, use this as an opportunity to start! Journaling is a great way to ease your anxieties because you’re writing to yourself and don’t need to worry about sounding too this or that. Putting names to feelings can help give you a sense of control and clarity.
3. Make a packing list
Moving anywhere can be stressful, let alone moving to be on your own for the first time. Look up the move-in list your university offers so you know what you can and can’t bring. There are tons of blog posts out there with pretty comprehensive packing lists, too.
I’d recommend starting your own list about a month before your move-in date. Break things into categories like “Bathroom” and “Utilities.” Slowly add items as you think of them. This will help ensure that nothing gets left out.
4. Focus on the things you’re excited about
There are SO many things to be excited about when it comes to college. You’re living on your own for the first time, studying a major you’re hopefully excited about, and beginning a chapter you’re likely to never forget. Whenever you start to get nervous, remind yourself of all the things you’re looking forward to—new friends, memories, and experiences are just around the corner.
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5. Reach out to your roommate
Living with someone you’ve never met before can leave you feeling anxious. If you’ve been assigned a roommate, reach out to them! It doesn’t have to be scary. Send them a message or email telling them a little bit about yourself and ask them questions, too. What’s their major? Where are they from?
Feel free to use room-related topics as a clutch if you need to. Who’s bringing a microwave? Do you guys want to share a mini fridge? Chances are, they’re just as nervous as you are. Knowing a little bit about who you’ll be living with will ease some anxiety.
6. Look up campus events
The first month of college is almost always filled with tons of activities designed to welcome you onto campus and make you feel at home. Before you head off, take a look at what will be going on so you can have some things to look forward to. Use these campus events to get out of your bubble and meet new people.
7. Prepare for your classes
If you’re nervous about your classes, take a deep breath. There are some things you can do to ease some of your worries and make you feel more prepared. 1. Save a copy of schedule to your phone or print one out to keep with you. 2. Look up your professors so you have an idea about who/what to expect. 3. Look up the required course materials and—I can’t stress this enough—rent used textbooks if you can. Doing this will save you so much money.
8. Make a game plan for your first few days
One of the best things I did during my first few days of college was walk around campus with my roommate so we could find where our classes were. Doing this gave each of us peace of mind that we wouldn’t be lost on FDOC (by the way, this means First Day Of Class—you’ll hear and see this term a lot), and it also gave us a chance to get to know each other and bond over a shared experience.
Some other things you could plan for are attending a welcome week event, exploring campus on your own or with new friends, and decorating your dorm. Simply making a game plan before or during your first few days can help you better adjust and get you out of your comfort zone.
9. Bring a piece of home with you
Homesickness is a real part of the college transition, and experiencing it doesn’t make you any less able to tackle college. To help prepare you, bring some items that remind you of home. Things like your favorite snack, mug, or even a stuffed animal could offer some comfort if you start to feel down.
10. Remind yourself that you’re about to embark on a new chapter
For the first time in your life, you’ll get to call the shots. Your freshman year is likely to be one that challenges you and pushes you to grow. If the nerves kick in and you start to feel like you’re in over your head, remember that college is a new chapter and it’s okay not to have all the answers. Your college journey is just beginning, and there’s so much in store for you.
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Meet The Writer!
Hello! My name is Lea Rose and I am an avid writer with a love for all things international. I recently graduated from UNC Charlotte with degrees in Communication Studies as well as Dance Performance and hope to be a full time travel writer one day. My writing primarily focuses on the ways places and experience shape us as individuals. Please feel free to check out my blog or connect with me through LinkedIn or Instagram @writtenworldblog.
