Is it ok to feel really stressed out on the first week of my second year of college?

Question

My sophmore year of college just started. I am taking quite a load of classes this semester and I feel really stressed out.

I feel nervous and I constanly fear the fact that I can fail a class. Am I going over the edge with my emotions and being too worrysome? Everyone around me seems really calm and relaxed at class.

Is it ok to be stressed out in the beginning of my sophmore year of college?

Answer 1

If its possible, try taking less units if you don't think you can handle it. Or, if you work, try to get less hours so you have more time for school. Just try and make it easier on yourself. Don't try and do more than you can handle. Its better to take less classes and get better grades. Also, try not to procrastinate because if you have a lot of things on your agenda, you tend to worry and stress more.

Try some stress-reducing activity. Sports, painting, dance, meditation, whatever you're into. Just try and fit it into your schedule. Take some time away from school and work to just be alone or with friends or family. It will help take away some stress.

Don't worry! We all go through stress sometimes. You'll do fine!!

Answer 2

Yes, I think that is normal. I think it is common for most people to fear failure. However, if you do fail a class, it isn't the end of the world. It will just cost you to retake it again...trust me, I know. My worst classes in college was Western Cult and then Natural Science-Geology (in my defense though, I did have back surgery at the same time).
As for others being calm around you, how do you know they are just acting? They very well may just have some of the same fears but choose to hide their emotions. College is a huge step, take a breath and realize you are there to learn. Who knows, you may just be able to help someone out with your knowledge. I am sure you will calm down and do well.

Answer 3

It depends on the type of stress and how you handle it. If the stress is causing you to procrastinate or choke up (or if it's causing lack of sleep), you probably need to scale back. The human mind and body can only take so much punishment. If the stress is just keeping you on your toes, and you're meeting all your deadlines -- if, mostly, you just feel tired and worried -- then all that means is that you're a good student.

One suggestion, in either case: Go to office hours for your professors and/or TAs. Bring the smartest questions you can muster. Ask about things related to what is being covered in class, but not specifically addressed by homework or tests. Most students never take advantage of office hours, but they're there for a reason. By showing up and asking the best questions you can, you can find out how well you're really doing. You can test your understanding of key concepts without it hurting a test score. And, by talking things out, you're essentially studying -- you'll know your material better because of it. Your profs and TAs, meanwhile, will see that you seem legitimately interested, and -- impressed that you aren't just asking them to do your homework for you -- will take a personal interest in how you're doing. If you're about to walk off a cliff, they'll usually try to let you know.

And don't worry too much about coming across as a brown-noser. As long as you have real questions that go beyond the basic stuff covered in class, you aren't one -- you're just a student. And since that sort of student is fairly rare, it's a good bet that your profs will see you as marked for graduate school.

One additional benefit that will come of this much later -- at some point, you'll want letters of recommendation. Profs of large lecture classes won't know anything about you or who you are, even if you aced their classes. Carrying on interesting, intelligent exchanges with them during office hours gives them something to write about when they take up the pen on your behalf.

Answer 4

I'm starting my second year in college also--and I am incredibly stressed out!! I think we realize now what it takes to stay in the game and as we get further into our college experience, more is at stake if we fail. I agree, some people are not phased at all--most of them are the ones who don't have to worry about grades or losing scholarship. Find things, fun things, to do besides schoolwork...and good luck!

Answer 5

I am stressed out all year round. Trust me, it is absolutely okay to feel stressed for the first few weeks. Just relax, I am taking a lot of classes too and that's a bit too much too. Oh well, what else can we do since we are students? Aarrgh..the homework is driving me nuts! :)

Answer 6

Of course. Change is always stressful. It's like starting a new job. You also have to remember that now classes may be a bit more challenging and not those entry-level courses anymore. So, take a breather and know that it is normal to be stressed. However, don't stress yourself out so bad that you end up kicking your own butt.

Be good to yourself and remember to enjoy your education. There's plenty of time for stress later in life.

Don't be like me in my senior year of college. So stressed out that I ended up depressed. Didn't even want to get out of bed. Thank goodness for my friends who dragged me out of bed and took me to the counseling center. Be good to yourself.

Answer 7

yes, because i am totally stressed out and i am only a senior in high school....but i have really hard classes this year and my ap chem teacher thinks that we are only takin his class and i already sux in chemistry..lol anyway so i guess its normal too......

Answer 8

yes yes yes yes!!! pressure is gonna be there definitely... but if you feel like this even after the first month, maybe you should take a break or go to tuition or something....

Answer 9

it's my third year, and i'm stressed out.