University Anxiety?

[Keats]

So i'm currently on a gap year, with offers from university to attend next year. My anxiety has been pretty bad for the past 6-8 months, to the extent i can't really go out anymore and find it hard to socialize.

A friend of mine invited me up to see him (he's at a university i have an offer at) and i stayed with him for a weekend. My anxiety was killing me the entire time, being in a building with so many unfamiliar people and going out to crowded clubs and bars left me exausted after a few hours.

I know that i need to be going to university in order to do what i want for a living, so not going isn't really an option. But i don't know if i can handle 3 years if i feel like that for the whole time. Also on top of that, my girlfriend will be going to Uni next year also - my anxiety will be killing me, the thought of her going out in a big city without me there if something were to happen.

i'm just dreading going now, i was looking forward to moving out and having freedom - but now i can't sleep just thinking about it.

[NeuroTiger]

Be relaxed dude...sometimes, you need to make some sacrifices in life.
It's for your own good, in the end.

[Danagal]

I can't wait to go. I'm sure there's more to it than I'm considering. I want that complete freedom.

[Keats]

Be relaxed dude...sometimes, you need to make some sacrifices in life.
It's for your own good, in the end.

Sorry but just telling me to relax isn't of much help.
Not to be a dick, but it's not as easy as 'deciding' not to be anxious?
I know it's for my own good, but it doesn't change the fact that it scares the shit out of me.

[NeuroTiger]

Sorry but just telling me to relax isn't of much help.
Not to be a dick, but it's not as easy as 'deciding' not to be anxious?
I know it's for my own good, but it doesn't change the fact that it scares the shit out of me.

Are you scared because of your gf or scared to be in another environment?

[Keats]

Are you scared because of your gf or scared to be in another environment?

I'm anxious because it's an unfamiliar place, with unfamiliar people, who I don't know. I recently moved house and have only just got my head around being a new area and I have to do it all over again soon.

Just thinking about being in a building with 100+ other people is more than enough to freak me out.

[NeuroTiger]

I'm anxious because it's an unfamiliar place, with unfamiliar people, who I don't know. I recently moved house and have only just got my head around being a new area and I have to do it all over again soon.

Just thinking about being in a building with 100+ other people is more than enough to freak me out.

You should understand that it's part of life.
Grow up, dear!

[Verto]

If there's one thing you have to remember, it's that everyone there probably has some feeling of anxiety. Maybe not as much as you feel, but some. The people doing first year subjects- they are just that. First years. They probably don't have friends and are in a new environment too. They're there to learn. They're not out to judge you. It's not 100 strangers, it's 100 students just trying to make themselves a place in the world. If worst comes to worst, you can get by just by having mutual acquaintances. Bars/clubs are optional anyway. I don't bother going.

That said, meeting new people is something you kind of have to get used to.

[plebble]

I know how you feel, I'm scared about going to university this September. I'm very socially awkward and I worry that people won't like me.
I posted something fairly similar to this regarding going to university a few minutes ago
http://www.virtualteen.org/forums/showthread.php?t=204979

[FullyAlive]

I was so worried about going to uni but everyone is in the exact same position, no one knows each other, no one has really done anything like it before but that is exactly what freshers week is for. Sure there are a lot of nights out for freshers but there are also other daytime activities and freshers fairs where you can join the societies you like or find people with mutual hobbies. I have a few uni friends who never go out yet they are still having a fab time and have loads of friends.

As for your girlfriend sure it'll be hard not knowing how she is on nights out but she will be looked after by people everyone sticks together at uni, i've had people come meet me at the door to pay for my taxi's when I don't have money, or let me stay at theirs when i've lost my keys or drive to come find me when i've gotten lost. No matter what there will always be someone around to help out.

Moving to uni is scary as fuck i'm not going to lie but it's also one of the best things i've ever done I absolutely adore uni and i'm having the time of my life it's fine to worry in fact it would be weirder if you weren't worried but I guarantee you everyone else feels the same.

I have a background with depression and anxiety and I was scared about having to deal with that all by myself, but all uni's will offer mental health services you can go and request a counsellor to talk to no problem at all, I have two uni friends seeing one right now for various issues. University will do whatever they can within their means to support you if you tell them you need support.

[Katiya]

I always thought university would be great because everyone is in the same boat. It forces everyone to make new friends instead of hiding in all the old clicks from HS.

If you don't like party's don't go. I hate them so I don't go. Loud music, drugs and drinking are nothing j have interest in, neither do I the people who enjoy those things. So I find my own activitys to do.

You can try meditation, a lot of people find help in that. There's nothing wrong with new people. Most are likely new them selves. Just do things you like and you will find others in the same boat and you won't feel so apprehensive. ;)

[Lemonlover934]

Its understandable to be anxious, when I went to university I was very anxious at leaving my social group and making new friends. The previous posts are right, most people are in the same position when you first get there. You will get those who are more confident naturally but its a new experience for everyone, be yourself and you will be ok. There are so many avenues to find friends at university from societies to your course to your flatmates, you will find your niche and become more comfortable. I would say just try not to fret too much, and when it actually comes round, just take it in your own time when socialising, don't feel pressured to be involved in everything right at once.

[imthomas]

I know the feeling. I had to withdraw from college because my anxiety was so bad