Do I Belong Here? Imposter Syndrome in College and Beyond
College is often described as a time of growth and discovery, but for many, it is also a time of quiet self-doubt. You may be doing well academically, staying involved, and meeting expectations, yet still wonder whether you truly belong.
That experience has a name: imposter syndrome. And while it can feel deeply personal, it is one of the most common challenges students face.
What Is Imposter Syndrome?
Imposter syndrome is the persistent belief that your accomplishments are not truly earned and that your success is the result of luck, timing, or external factors rather than your own abilities. People experiencing imposter syndrome often carry a quiet fear that they will eventually be “exposed” as not being smart, prepared, or capable enough.
How It Begins in College
University campuses, like St. John’s University, often bring together students with a wide range of backgrounds, many of whom were high achievers in their previous environments. When surrounded by peers who appear confident, accomplished, or certain about their future, comparison can feel almost unavoidable.
These feelings can be intensified by social media, where success is carefully curated and uncertainty is rarely visible. Students may also feel pressure to define their academic and career paths early, even while they are still exploring their interests and goals.
For some, imposter syndrome can feel even more isolating. First-generation students, transfer students, international students, and those from underrepresented backgrounds may struggle with belonging when they do not see many peers who share their experiences. In these situations, self-doubt is often shaped by environment rather than ability.
Identifying the Early Signs
Imposter syndrome commonly surfaces during periods of transition. Starting your first semester, adjusting to more rigorous coursework, entering a competitive major, or stepping into leadership or internship roles can all trigger self-doubt.
You may be experiencing imposter syndrome if you regularly find yourself
- Dismissing your accomplishments or attributing them to luck;
- Feeling anxious about speaking up in class or asking questions;
- Believing others are more deserving of opportunities than you;
- Feeling pressure to constantly prove that you belong; and/or
- Interpreting one mistake as evidence that you chose the wrong path.
When imposter syndrome goes unaddressed, it often carries into new environments beyond campus, from graduate school to the workplace and leadership roles. Learning how to recognize these patterns early helps build confidence that can support you through future transitions.
How to Navigate Imposter Syndrome in College (and Beyond)
Navigating imposter syndrome does not mean eliminating self-doubt entirely. Instead, it means learning how to recognize it, respond to it thoughtfully, and continue moving forward even when uncertainty shows up.
Identify the Experience
One of the most effective first steps is simply naming what you are feeling. When you recognize imposter syndrome for what it is, it becomes easier to separate anxious thoughts from reality. Feeling uncertain does not mean you are incapable. More often, it means you are learning something new, taking on a challenge, or stepping outside your comfort zone.
Acknowledging the experience helps shift the question from “Do I belong here?” to “What am I learning right now?”
Seek Out Support
Support plays an important role in navigating imposter syndrome. Conversations with professors, advisers, counselors, or mentors can help ground your experience and provide perspective. Many students are surprised to learn how common these feelings are and how frequently faculty hear similar concerns across all majors.
At St. John’s, students have access to campus resources such as counseling services, wellness education, and student support offices, designed to help them navigate both academic and personal challenges. Seeking support is a proactive step toward long-term success.
Keep Evidence of Your Growth
When self-doubt resurfaces, having concrete reminders of your progress can make a meaningful difference. Saving positive feedback, reflecting on completed projects, or noting moments when you pushed through discomfort provides tangible evidence of your growth and capabilities.
Over time, these small records help challenge the idea that success is accidental and reinforce that your effort and persistence matter.
A Perspective on Belonging from St. John’s University Leadership
“College was never designed to be easy; it was designed to change you. So, if you are questioning whether you belong, I want you to know this: doubt is not proof that you do not belong. It is often proof that you are doing something courageous.
Belonging in college is not about having all the answers, perfect confidence, or an “ideal” background. It is about showing up, engaging, asking for help, and staying committed to your growth, even when the work feels unfamiliar or uncomfortable.
You belong here because your goals matter. Your story matters. Your future matters. And higher education needs your perspective, your voice, and your resilience.
You don’t have to be perfect to be here. You just have to be persistent—and willing to keep going. We’ll meet you with support, guidance, and belief in who you’re becoming.”
Sharod L. Tomlinson '’21Ed.D., Assistant Vice President for Equity and Inclusion/ Student Belonging
You Belong More Than You Think
Imposter syndrome can make you feel isolated, but it is a shared experience across many stages of life. Students, graduates, and professionals alike may question whether they truly deserve their place, especially during moments of transition or change.
If you have ever wondered whether you belong, that does not mean you are behind or unqualified. More often, it means you are growing, learning, or stepping into a new environment that challenges you in unfamiliar ways.
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