You took the standardized tests, put nearly four years of work into your grade point average, wrote the personal statements, stalked the postman, and then finally the day came when you clutched that acceptance letter in your hand. After you've apologized to the postman and the initial euphoria has worn off, you might start to worry about what life at college has in store for you. Don't worry, we're here to calm your fears.

First, it's okay to be nervous about college. For some students it's the first time away from home for any extended time. Many students suffer from homesickness to some degree. Although it's natural to miss one's family and friends, it should be relatively easy to combat being homesick or lonely. The best way is to immerse yourself in the myriad activities that college offers. You can always hit the books, but don't neglect your social life! Investigate and participate in activities that interest you. Check out clubs, lectures, movie screenings, and the like. Get to know your dormmates or classmates--there will be plenty of opportunities to socialize whether it's hanging out on the quad or catching lunch with a couple of people in one of your classes. It's easy to meet people in college, especially the first month or so.

Don't let worries that you may feel pressured to engage in activities, such as drinking, that you're not comfortable with prevent you from attending parties or other social events. Even though there may be a permissive attitude at some parties, generally there is little social pressure to drink or engage in other dubious activities. Usually 'partiers' respect the decisions of their peers not to indulge.

Some students worry that they won't be able to have any sort of social life because they fear that they won't be able to handle the academic workload. If you're one of those students, relax--if you didn't show that you were capable of doing the work, you wouldn't have been admitted. Sure your work load will probably be heavier than what you're used to, but you'll also probably have more time to take care of the work. The key to handling the workload is organization and prioritization. You will quickly learn which types of assignments deserve the most attention and which types can be put off. If you use your time wisely, you shouldn't have too much of a problem keeping up. If you do run into problems, use the support system built into just about any college. Don't hesitate to talk to your professors, teaching assistant, and/or your academic advisor if you feel that you're unable to handle the workload.

Some students worry about which courses to take and which major to choose. If you don't know what you want to do after college (and let's face it, there's no reason for anybody of college age to know what profession they want to enter), select courses that interest you and will expose you to different fields. Most students know which major they want to pursue by the time they have to formally choose one. Even if you are unsure or later decides that your choice wasn't the best one, there is usually time to switch majors. Don't forget, your major doesn't have to determine what you do for the rest of your life. Often the key to doing well academically in college is to choose a major in a subject that you enjoy.

Most college fears are best confronted head on. Don't be afraid to try new academic and extracurricular endeavors. College may be a challenging and demanding time, but it should also be richly rewarding and, ultimately, fun.  

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