college and beyond

5 Powerful Ways to Gain Confidence as a College Student

Dr. Amy Dietzman

Starting college, whether in person or online, can be very intimidating—especially if you’ve been out of school for a while.
 
You probably have a lot of questions: What will the professors be like? Will they call on me to answer questions even if I’m not prepared? How much will I have to study? Will my peers have more knowledge experience than I do?
 
Here are a few tips to decrease your anxiety and gain a little confidence in the process.

Tip #1: Choose classes that will help you build confidence

College advisors used to suggest that students get prerequisite general education classes out of the way first. And that can still be a good option. But occasionally, it can be better to take classes that interest you and will help you gain momentum and confidence. If science isn’t your thing, don’t take biology your first semester. If writing intimidates you, take a first-year writing course so you get some practice before you have to write more complex papers in other classes. If you’ve always loved history, take a history class. If you’re a business major and you’ve been working in the industry for a while, take a business course that will allow you to apply the knowledge you gained from personal experience. Don’t feel obligated to take courses in the traditional order if it’s not motivating to you.

Tip #2: Arrive early to class and be prepared

To gain confidence, you need to feel prepared. And to do that, you need to arrive early to class. This works both in person and online. For in-person classes, give yourself time to find the right room, choose a good seat, get ready to take notes, maybe greet the professor and classmates around you, and take a few deep breaths before beginning. The same is true for online classes too. Log in as soon as the class is open and available. Read the syllabus. Take a look at the class calendar and map out days and times you’ll set aside for studying. Planning ahead will help ease any anxiety you may have and knowing what’s coming will give you the confidence necessary to be successful and conquer the class material. 

Tip #3: Do all the work

If you know something isn’t going to be graded or submitted at all, you might be inclined to skip it. But when you’re taking a hard class, those smaller tasks will help you build knowledge, context, and confidence. So, read everything that’s assigned. Take notes even if the professor says a topic won’t be on the test. Look up vocabulary you don’t know. Read discussion posts from your classmates. See it all as an opportunity to learn. 

Tip #4: Find reasons to be confident

When you don’t have confidence, one of the best things you can do is fake it. The more you fake it, the more you will believe it. Sit up straight, make eye contact with instructors, give yourself a little pep talk, find an inspirational quote, and strike a confident pose right before a test (maybe in private, though, unless you’re ok with people staring). Pretty soon, you’ll actually have the confidence you initially lacked.

Tip #5: Set goals

Don’t compare yourself to anyone else. Set your own goals that are a stretch for you but are also realistic. As you reach them, you will see your progress, feel a real sense of accomplishment, and realize you’re a true scholar.

For more tips and ideas about gaining confidence in your classes, check out my webinar here: