Fear of college.

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Hello,

Since it's the end of the school year, I have decided I wanted to study "Dutch/English/German Translating". The problem is, this is just a regular school. The past 7 years I have been going to special education, where I have been able to be myself without being judged (most of the time). Everyone had their own group, there weren't any "popular" kids or the typical "nerds". We generally accepted everyone in our school is autistic. We got the help we needed, and got to work slower than regular schools (which results in 1 extra year though) and that school has overall without a doubt been the place where I spent the most wonderful times of my life.

This is why I am very afraid to go to college. None of my friends will study there, and it's a place where being autistic is not generally accepted. I don't know if I'm going to have to keep it to myself, or have to be open about it. Also, I am terrible at making new friends, especially if people already formed a close group of friends. I know that I am going to be completely shut down when it comes to being social in any way. Knowing myself, I will most likely completely stop talking unless necessary, and just become a completely silent person who's afraid of having social contact with any other students. That's why I'm afraid that I am going to get bullied again. Which is why I still don't know if I'm actually going to college yet or not, because it could be a new chance at making wonderful new friends, but it could also be like a death sentence to my social life.

I am absolutely terrible with words, I hope you can understand my message.
Has anyone had to deal with similar problems? Do you maybe have any advice?
Thank you

~Hypnotized.

I think you will have a wonderful time. The trick is to find a niche for yourself early on, and then you'll be able to grow from there and connect with good people. My recommendation is to find a part-time campus job related to your interests -- even a volunteer one if no paying jobs are available. One of the best is a job in the school library. Even before you arrive, contact the library and ask if they are hiring student assistants. If there is a university museum that is another aspie-friendly place to work. Seek out academically-minded folks, and in general avoid the party scene, and you'll do well.

In my experience, people tend to mellow out and mature a lot during college and bullying isn't as much of an issue.

I agree with Darmok that if you do go to college, it's really important to find a niche for yourself early on. Joining a study group or asking classmates questions related to class are a good way to make friends if you're on the shyer side. Keep in mind that virtually every entering student is going to be feeling intimidated and insecure to varying degrees, so a lot of students will be grateful if you reach out to them. If you live in the dorm and have a roommate, often you can make new friends through them because they'll introduce you to their new friends.

Definitely make sure you're ready before you commit to enrolling, but based on your post it sounds like you do feel pretty ready and are excited to go, and just have some hesitations about the social side of things. Good luck and have fun!