I'm off to college in little more than a week, and in all honesty, I'm not looking forward to it. I have lots of anxiety about living on my own, keeping up with schoolwork, and finding my place in the college community. Something that really frightens me is how the "college experience" could change me as a person.

Since leaving for college, two of my best childhood friends have changed from being upbeat, energetic, and outgoing to sombre, jaded, and silent. I visited one of them a few days ago and we just exchanged a few meaningless sentences before he put on his headphones, laid down, and stared at the ceiling while I watched TV. We used to have so much to say to each other, but this time was just embarrassing and depressing. I really worry that "real world" life changed them for the worse, and that it could have an even greater effect on me. Do you think the college experience has a negative impact on your personality and emotional wellbeing?

I'd also like to know how drinking plays into this. Both of my friends became daily drinkers of alcohol in college. They drink the relieve stress, but I just don't believe it's good for them. Is alcohol something best avoided in college, or is it actually good for you in moderation?