Son starting university next week - worried about him

My son is starting in university next week and I'm so scared for him. He's a very quiet, shy person and he doesn't have many friends. He has spent the last 12 months at home because he decided to take a year out after finishing school as he didn't know then what he wanted to do. I can't help worrying about him and I can see that he is starting to get nervous about it now, especially over the past few days. I worry about the what if's - what if he doesn't make new friends, or doesn't like the course, or just can't settle down to university life.
Have other parents on here felt anything like this when their own kids were starting university? Is there any advice I should give him? Is it normal for me to worry like this?

I’m sure it’s normal for you to worry about him. I’m lying here at 4am worrying about my own child too!
I don’t have any advice as mine is a lot younger than yours, but didn’t want to read and run. There must be some advice online somewhere! Is he going to be far from home? FaceTime / WhatsApp are so handy for staying in regular contact now.

I'm not a parent- but I was deeply unhappy going into uni. I think any advice would be try out a few clubs he may like! Like you make friends there, it can be hard I know but managing to go to the first meeting is the most important thing. My Mam always used to tell me she would be proud no matter how I did in uni and knowing I had that support really helped me out x I hope he settles in well!

In my opinion, each parent will worry about his child, even when his child grows up and becomes a parent. So everything is fine. The main thing you do not forget to support it.

I have a saying on my fridge:

"Please don't tell me that worrying doesn't work because everything I worry about never happens."

He'll grow. He'll fly. He'll be ok.

N.

People tend to worry and panic before something important.

The support of loved ones is important for your son