7 Daily Struggles College Students with Anxiety Face

Anyone can experience stress at school at some point in time. However, for those with anxiety, overcoming the hurdles of a busy and worried mind can be particularly challenging. Symptoms such as irritability, fatigue, and obsessive thinking can make school more difficult, but with some effort and time, anyone can adapt their education to work in their favor. In this article, we'll explore seven common thoughts that college students with anxiety often have throughout the day.

1. Am I in the Right Room?

One of the biggest, perhaps irrational, fears for students with anxiety is walking into the wrong classroom. The thought of every student stopping and staring as they realize their mistake is overwhelming. To avoid this scenario, many students, including myself, check their class schedule multiple times before entering a room. Some even save it as a photo on their phone or set it as their wallpaper for quick access. While this may seem like overkill, anxiety can create confusion even in routine situations, making it necessary to double or triple-check.

2. Please Don’t Call on Me

Being called on in class can be anxiety-inducing on several levels—speaking aloud, being put on the spot, and having all attention focused on you can be overwhelming. Fortunately, many schools and professors are accommodating when it comes to mental illness. I’ve found success in meeting professors during office hours to explain my challenges and work out a plan for succeeding through the rest of the semester. Participating in class isn’t limited to speaking out loud; showing up, doing well on assignments, and demonstrating that you value your education are equally important.

3. There Are Too Many People Here

On larger campuses, crowds can be a regular source of frustration, especially for students with anxiety. Simply walking to class can become a challenge when navigating through high school tour groups or late-dismissed lectures. While it’s impossible to predict or avoid crowds, having backup plans, such as alternate routes to class, can help keep you calm and collected when things don’t go as planned. In class, sitting at the front of the room can help minimize the sight of other students, and sitting near the aisle allows for an easy exit if needed.

4. It’s Hard to Focus

Anxiety often comes with racing thoughts, restlessness, mood swings, and constant worry, making it difficult to focus. Anxiety takes a toll on both the body and mind, so it’s important not to be too hard on yourself if you struggle to stay present in the classroom. Some people find that fidgeting with an object can help with concentration, while others focus best with minimal stimulation. Finding what works for you may take some trial and error, but don’t give up—there’s a strategy out there that can help you succeed.

5. I Don’t Have Time

College is incredibly time-consuming, especially for full-time students. While every student feels pressed for time occasionally, anxiety can make this pressure feel constant. Personally, time management is a significant source of worry for me. To stay organized, I put every appointment and task into a calendar. This helps me stay on track when I feel confused or overwhelmed. Keeping my schedule, to-do list, and calendar in one place makes it easier to regain control when anxiety strikes.

6. Did I Forget Anything?

I often worry that I’ve forgotten an assignment or left a notebook at home, even though I rarely forget anything. Despite knowing how vigilant I am, I still don’t trust my habits to keep me in check. The fear of being unprepared tends to overpower the brain fog caused by anxiety. My best advice is to write out a list of everything you need to remember and review it regularly. For example, you can check it every morning before leaving home or every few hours while packing for a trip. This simple habit brings peace of mind, knowing that you’re making a conscious effort to stay organized.

7. Can I Work Alone?

Group work is something I dread intensely. While I sometimes struggle to trust myself with my grades, I’m even less inclined to entrust my success to classmates I’ve never met. As someone with anxiety, I often end up doing most of the work in group projects to ensure a good grade. To avoid this, I try to join the smallest group possible when given a choice, as fewer people mean less complicated communication. This strategy helps reduce the stress that comes with group assignments.

If you recognize any of these thoughts as similar to your own, know that you’re not alone. Anxiety can make everyday tasks more challenging, but by developing strategies that work for you, it’s possible to navigate the stresses of college life successfully. Whether it’s organizing your schedule, finding ways to focus, or advocating for your needs in the classroom, small changes can make a big difference in managing anxiety.