If it makes you feel any better, I am a junior this fall and still feel that nervousness. Of course I’m starting at a new school and just starting the nursing program (took basic pre-requisite classes at another college then transferred to a nursing program), but still I’ve been through a few years of college successfully already so it can’t be that bad.

Making friends will be extremely easy; you’ll start making friends immediately. Every other freshman is feeling the same thing you are, and they are all just as eager to find friends and fit in. Don’t worry about not being able to find a new church, every town has tons of them. If you prefer a certain denomination (you are a Presbyterian and have to go to a Presbyterian church), then start with those churches in the area. If you aren’t so picky, ask around campus what church people go to. You may want to look for a church that has a good college group (good place to make friends). Leaving your family is hard, but you’ll find that while you may get homesick from time to time, you will get used to being away from them and even begin to enjoy your independence. Don’t let classes scare you. Freshman courses are introductory, designed to get you used to college life. The courses are more difficult than high school, and the professors do require more of you, and a lot more of your success rides on you (e.g. no one forces you to go to class, but skipping all the time can really hurt your grades). But knowing this, being prepared to work a little, accepting the fact that you may (or may not) need help and being willing to ask for it when the time comes, and accepting that it is possible you may not be a straight A student anymore will make it much easier to survive. Some good tips: schedule your time wisely, always make room for studying AND fun, take time to call home every once and a while, learn the study techniques that work for you, and learn how to relax.

Don’t worry, you will be fine. It seems scary now, and might feel a little overwhelming at times, but that is normal. Try to relax a little and enjoy it! College is amazing and your freshman year (and first days of college) only happen once so try to put your worries aside long enough to enjoy yourself. I bet once you get to school on Saturday you will be so busy moving in, getting to know your room mate and floor mates, meeting people, and settling in that you won’t have time to worry.

Don’t worry man. There are a few thousand of others that feel the same way you do. It’s normal. Just talk to new people, and try not to be nervous, and you’ll be making new friends and becoming situated and comfortable in your new setting in no time. The first few days and maybe weeks you’ll be feeling homesick and nostalgic, but soon that’ll fade away. The college years are the best and most fun years in your life (other than the kid years where playing games was the daily routine). You’ll see. Okay, I’ve ranted long enough and I need to get back to studying for my midterm tomorrow morning. Good luck and have fun.

Feeling worried is normal. You will be in a new environment and basically start a new life. But it will all fall into place once you are there.

Freshman orientation might help you find some friends.

You will be assigned to a dorm room, so there is your first chance in finding a friend.

It’s really not that bad at all.

Good Luck in college