How to deal with back-to-school/college anxiety: 4 top tips

Going back to school/college can bring lots of different emotions, and if you're feeling nervous or worried about the new school year, you're not alone.

The good news is that there are lots of things you can do to deal with back-to-school/college anxiety, such as preparing all of your school/college items ahead of time, talking to someone you trust, being kind to yourself and remembering that these feelings are normal and often temporary.

In this blog, we look a little deeper into why you’re feeling these emotions and share some practical tips to help you manage back-to-school/college anxiety and feel more confident about returning to school/college.

Why am I nervous to go back to school/college?

Feeling nervous about going back to school/college is much more common than you might think. This is because a new school/college year can bring lots of changes, and this feeling of uncertainty is often the cause of many worries.

Whether it be starting a new year group, starting completely new subjects, having new teachers/lecturers or moving to a different school/college, it's completely normal to feel a little unsure about what to expect. Even positive changes can feel overwhelming at first, especially when you're stepping outside of your comfort zone.

This brings us onto the main purpose of this blog…

4 tips to deal with back-to-school/college anxiety

1. Make sure everything is prepared

Simple organisation like packing your school/college bag and preparing your stationery can help you feel more in control and make the first day feel less overwhelming.

If you travel to school/college, plan your journey in advance too. Whether you walk, take the bus or get dropped off, knowing your route and what time you need to leave can remove some extra stress from your morning.

2. Focus on what you can control

It’s easy to get caught up worrying about lots of different “what ifs” before the new school/college year starts, but instead, try focusing on the things you can control.

For example, you can choose what you’ll wear on your first day, prepare your school/college bag, decide what time you’ll leave home in the morning and even make a plan for your homework (if you really want to be prepared!).

3. Talk to someone you trust about how you’re feeling

If you're feeling anxious about going back to school/college, try sharing how you're feeling with someone you trust. Sometimes, simply talking about what's on your mind can make your worries feel more manageable, and the person you're speaking to may be able to offer reassurance or practical advice.

4. Be kind to yourself and remember this feeling won’t last forever

Starting a new school/college year is a big adjustment, so it’s completely normal that you might be feeling anxious or nervous about going back.

Give yourself time to adjust and remember that every school/college day will help you feel more settled. Before long, you'll get back into a settled routine.

How can parents or carers help with back-to-school/college anxiety?

If you’re a parent or carer, one of the best ways you can help is by listening to your child and reassuring them that it is completely normal to feel nervous about going back to school/college.

Encourage them to talk about all the worries they have with you, as sharing their thoughts and feelings can help them process their emotions and feel less alone. It’s also great if you can help them get organised in advance and support them in getting back into a regular routine.

If their anxiety doesn't improve or starts affecting their everyday life, speak to their school/college so you can work together to make sure they get the support they need.

We hope this blog has helped you understand that feeling nervous about going back to school/college is completely normal and that there are plenty of simple ways to manage back-to-school/college anxiety.

If you found this blog helpful, explore our student support blog for more advice on revision and wellbeing to help you feel confident throughout the school year.

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