How to Get Over the Fear of Starting College

Starting your freshman year - or, heck, even a new semester in general - can be stressful. Fortunately, you're not alone if you've got a bit of fear about college; it's incredibly common.

This short video is all about the mindset you should try to adopt when you start your college career - a mindset that should help you get over those fears.

Check out the Ultimate College Packing Guide:

Listen to our podcast episode on becoming college-ready:

My book "10 Steps to Earning Awesome Grades" is completely free, so check it out if you're interested in improving your grades!

Companion article for this video:

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Videos you might want to watch next:

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If you want to get even more strategies and tips on becoming a more productive, successful student, subscribe to my channel right here:

~ created by Thomas Frank

[dakotahaze]

I'm not that scared of the workload/learning part of it. I'm scared of the lifestyle change, moving, learning a new area, having to find where things are, new people, geez new people...

[rudde]

I FINISHED UNIVERITY! I COMPLETED IT! I DID IT!

[ClearNight]

As a senior in high school my anxiety jumped tremendously as colleges approaches. This video really helps so thanks :)

[lilbabytears]

Im starting in a month and i have been crying everyday because im so scared and nervous. Im so worried.

[Thomasfrank]

Hopefully this video eases any fears you have about starting college! I've got your back - I thought about fist bumping the camera when I was filming but I figured my camera lens works a tad better when it isn't cracked.

Also, to pull back the curtain a bit... this video was originally intended to be a list of 5 tips for starting college off on the right foot. I filmed that outline, it ended up being 15 minutes long. And when I started editing it, I felt that this topic needed its own video.

However, the other tips are coming in another video very soon :)

[KopMATT]

I'm really worried for start college in September.
I have really short attention span, bad problem solving skills. I SUCK at math. And i often get depressed because i have naturally low dopamine levels. Im going to read both books you mentioned. Im still really worried though. (Im studying business btw)

[heytheredelilah]

that last second of the video scared the fuck outta me like wow im home alone rn please no

[rbaulor]

This video was super helpful. I'm a transfer student, so it's not my first time going to college, but I'm at a larger university and I still have a lot of questions and nerves. Your video reminded me of the things I felt and learned freshman year and gave me the confidence to explore my new campus. Thank you for the pep-talk, came just in time!

[flexyoureq]

Incredibly helpful and candid series about starting college as a freshman! I really appreciate how you discussed the importance of mentally preparing yourself and being willing to ask for help as you adjust to the transition--these are really important topics that are crucial to student success!

[dejam]

Thank you so much for making this video. I absolutely love your channel it has been such an amazing help. I will be a freshman next Thursday and I was absolutely terrified. Now I am more confident and now I have a changed mindset. Thanks to you 😊

[tcrocks]

this video came at the most perfect time

[Nato]

Thank you so much for linking me to that packing list! It's a huge help and reassurance. Honestly, packing and dorm stuff has been stressing me out far more than everything else.

[sebastianrosado]

Thomas, I want to commend your decision to not include any background music in your videos. I find it very nicely uncluttered and soothing!

[jpmillard]

I feel like an even deeper question is "is college worth it?". There are definitely pros and cons to going to college and I don't think it's for everyone. I ended up going to college and I'm about to start my last semester tomorrow. There are trade schools and you can learn about careers and life without going to college too.

[kevinperalta]

I swear your videos are just amazing. I'm moving into college in 3 days and really needed this. Also used your videos to get through high school too... Never stop uploading please!!

[MattMurley]

Thomas, your videos are always very helpful, and not just for college students. I'm not in college, and never will be, but the resources and mindset advice you talk about can still be helpful to me as I embark on my own entrepreneurial journey.

[OpenPhoenix]

anyone ever feel like the stuff you learn in some classes is inaccurate or anything?

[suussmiley]

All your videos are incredibly useful! The length of your videos is perfect & the information you give is nearly always new to me even though I look up information about learning etc. all the time

[beatrizmarques]

Great again Thomas!! I follow your youtube for some time now... Every time I watch a new video of you I just feel so overwhelmed for the work you put into them... It is terrific!!! I feel the need to thank you for your capacity and patience to help students (including myself!) all over the world to get into the right track and build their success! I hope you have great success out there in the world and all your dreams come true...
Xo Bea

[DUMPTRUCK___]

reading this as I start my first day of college ever tomorrow! i binged watched all of your videos during the summer to prepare myself and I already feel ahead of everyone :)