Going away to university/college for the first time can be like skydiving for the first time – both exhilarating and frightening. It is a huge life change: you may be moving out on your own, becoming more independent, all while starting the journey of post-secondary education.
This life event can cause anxiety. Anxiety is a normal reaction to have in response to life changes. Anxiety symptoms are generally short-lived. If these symptoms become persistent and interfere with your ability to study and/or manage day-to-day tasks, it is important to talk to someone. University and college campuses have healthcare services that provide valuable resources to students.
Some symptoms that you may experience include:
- racing heart
- muscle tension
- butterflies in the stomach
- insomnia
- poor appetite
This anxiety is often rooted in the uncertainty – the “what ifs”
- what if I can’t find my class?
- what if it’s too hard?
- what if I don’t get along with my roommate?
Remember you are not alone; every other first year student is in the same position as you are and will likely feel just as anxious. It is okay to feel anxious, uncomfortable and out of sorts and when things seem overwhelming tell yourself to “Slow down. You’re doing fine. You can’t be everything you want to be before your time”. (Billy Joel)
