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Dreams about going to school can feel daunting.
By Isabell Tenorio — Last updated on Sep 24, 2022
Dreams are interesting because you never know what will happen.
While it's common to have dreams about dying, dreams about a crush, or even dreams about your teeth falling out, what exactly does it mean when you dream about things you haven't experienced in a while, like being back in school?
It’s one thing to have dreams about school while you're still attending, but what happens when you have a dream about school and you haven't attended in quite some time, maybe even decades?
What does it mean when you dream about school?
Dreams about school symbolize, in general, any social concerns, insecurities or anxieties you may have.
School dreams also represent childhood conflicts or issues, the need to understand something about your life, lack of confidence, the desire to move forward, or judgment and fear in your waking life.
While some dreams of this type can feel overwhelming, your subconscious mind is trying to bring your attention to specific issues you're facing in the real world, specifically related to heightened levels of anxiety or serious problems you need to address.
For example, if you dream about being in an elementary classroom, it reflects that you care about a specific issue; if you dream about being in a university classroom, it reflects that this issue is a concern that requires your full attention.
What It Means When You Dream About Missing A Test
Dreaming about missing any test means you need to reorganize your life and be more aware of any opportunities you have missed.
Other interpretations of this dream include: feeling alone or scared; procrastinating; feeling afraid to advance to the next level; fearing that you are being left behind; not feeling prepared; having self-esteem issues; lacking motivation; and examining yourself too hard.
What It Means When You Dream About Being Late To Class
Similar to dreaming about being late to a test, dreams about being late to school mean you need to start organizing your life and be more responsible.
However, if you are already those things, this dream means you are dissatisfied with the destination you are on time for. Being late to class in a dream can also mean that you are trying to avoid your responsibilities and want things to come easily.
What It Means When You Dream About High School Friends
Having dreams about friends from high school (in a high school setting) means you are repressing memories that might hurt you. This can also include dreams about a high school reunion.
Deep down, you might be jealous of your former peers becoming more successful in life; or, it’s the other way around and you want to show off your success to bring others down.
Overall, dreaming about high school peers means you're having a hard time letting go of the past.
What It Means When You Dream About Sitting In A Classroom
Any dreams about sitting in a classroom mean you are growing as a person. In real life, you are finally learning more about yourself and making better choices.
Another interpretation of this dream is that you are trying to look for other solutions to real-life problems. These problems are making you struggle and you want to make them go away, but all the solutions you have been provided are not satisfactory.
You might also be avoiding someone or something, though it depends on where you are sitting in the classroom. For example, being near the front of the room means you are really worried about your problems, more so than those around you.
What It Means When You Dream About A School Hallway
If you dream about a school hallway, perhaps the very one you once walked up and down, this symbolizes a transition in your life that is accompanied by anxiety or fear. Though change is scary, consider this dream a sign that this new phase may be difficult, but it's totally necessary.
What It Means When You Dream About Homework
Dreaming about homework is symbolic of the lessons you've learned and the knowledge you've gained throughout life so far. Pay attention to the details of what the homework entails in your dream, as it represents the small details of your real-life situation.
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What It Means When You Dream About Failing A Test
There's nothing worse than the feeling of actually failing a test, but to dream about this situation is just as daunting. This dream symbolizes feeling unsure about your skills and ability to succeed, or feeling unprepared for the future.
Overall, this dream relates to your own insecurities as they relate to your abilities. Consider it a wake-up call to address your fears and overcome them.
What It Means When You Dream About The Cafeteria
Dreaming about the school cafeteria means you are fearful of how others perceive you and are cautious about how you can form relationships with them. This dream also symbolizes a real-life problem you are dealing with, or a long-hidden secret coming to light.
What It Means When You Dream About Missing A School Bus
Another instance of a school dream that can feel discouraging, dreaming of missing a school bus is symbolic of rejection.
If you are currently in school, this dream means you need to focus on continuing to gain knowledge, but if you have left school, this dream means you need to get yourself together and start accomplishing your goals.
What It Means When You Dream About A School Playground
If you dream about a school playground, perhaps your actual playground from when you were in elementary school, this represents your nonchalance about life, as well as your desire to live life free of worry.
What It Means When You Dream About Being Lost In School
While this dream may seem like a nightmare before returning to the waking world, dreaming about being lost in school actually represents the fears and worries you have. This dream also suggests that you are unable to find a solution to the problems currently plaguing you.
What It Means When You Dream About Skipping School
Just like kids skip school to avoid their responsibilities, dreaming about skipping school means there is something in your life that you are avoiding addressing. This could be in relation to work or your personal life.
This dream is letting you know that unless you face your problems head-on, you'll never be able to reach your goals.
What It Means When You Dream About Bullying In School
Many kids and teenagers are victims of bullying while in school, but to dream of being bullied means someone or something has control over you, and is holding you back from succeeding.
It's also important what role bullying plays in your waking life. For instance, if you were a bully and had this dream, it could mean that you are regretful of your actions. And if you experienced bullying, this dream represents your fears of losing control.
What It Means When You Dream About An Empty School
To dream about an empty or abandoned school means something in the past greatly affected you. This dream could mean that you have lost touch with your old friends, you are too attached to the past, or that you need to let go of these friendships.
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Isabell Tenorio is a writer and former contributor to YourTango who covers astrology, pop culture, and relationships.