Have you ever regretted going to college? Do you hate it and wish you could go back in time? You are not alone. There are millions of people who hate college and wish they never attended it.
If you believe that college is not for you or if you are having trouble adjusting to the experience, this post has some ways that you can employ to have an exciting college encounter.
Why Students Hate College
1. Cost
Students dislike college because of the cost associated with it. Some students do not realize how much money they will need to pay for college until they start applying and searching for financial aid.
However, most college students receive financial aid in one form or another. When students realize how much money it costs to go to school, many end up burdened by student loans which can make it harder for them to focus on their coursework and get through college quickly.
2. Unpopular Class
Some people feel as though they are wasting time taking classes that do not interest them at all. Rather than taking classes that they have no interest in, students should be taking classes that will help them get jobs once they graduate from college.
Too often, students get caught up in choosing classes for fun rather than for a future career opportunity.
3. Difficult Exams
Tests are difficult, and the grading curve is unforgiving. So when you get a bad grade, it is not just that you failed the class, but that your friends and professors think you are stupid.
What to Do if You Hate College
The first step is to define the problem: What is it about college that is making you anxious and unhappy?
Once you identify the problem, then it is time to learn how to fix it with some of the following suggestions:
1. Find Your Passion
Exploring your interests and passions can be a great way for you to find out what career path you want to take in life. Take some time off from school and work on a project related to your area of interest while also volunteering in the field.
Doing so will allow you to see if this path is right for you before spending years at a college pursuing a degree in your chosen field.
2. Discuss with Parents
If you have zero interest in school and have no desire to go, you must inform your parents and teachers. Tell them that you will not attend college after high school and that this is not up for negotiation. If you can, get letters of recommendation from teachers to help with finding a job.
3. Transfer Credits to another School
If you do not like your college, transfer to another one. If you can get into a different school, but you still have bad grades, take a year off and do something productive instead of studying for tests that do not mean anything.
4. Get a Job on Campus or Online
If you want to make money from home, then get a part-time job on campus or online. You can make some decent money working for someone else in addition to going to school and studying for tests that do not mean anything.
Probably, you could also start your own business on the side and make even more money than if you work for someone else part-time or full-time.
Getting a part-time job will give you more time to study for tests.
How to Change College Hatred into Liking
If you are having trouble enjoying college as most people do, here are some tips that will help you let go of the negative thoughts and start enjoying yourself:
1. Use the student support network available to you
Most colleges offer a wide range of services designed to help students settle in. They range from careers advice to academic support and counseling. Speak to your course representative or welfare officer for advice about what is available on campus.
Also, do not forget about your local students’ union. Many have drop-in center’s offering advice on everything from accommodation issues to adjusting to life away from home. Similarly, others join brotherhood/sisterhood groups to achieve common academic goals and other aspirations.
2. Recognize that it won’t last forever
The first few weeks of college might seem a little overwhelming at first. However, as soon as you get into the swing of things will become familiar.
Going to college for the first time in a long time can be a challenge. But, if you arm yourself with the right tools it does not have to be overwhelmingly difficult. You will have to work harder than you did in high school because you have so many more responsibilities now.
3. Look after Yourself
When you look good, you feel good, and when you feel good, people will be more inclined to like you. What this means differs from person to person. For some, it might mean getting a haircut or going on a diet. Others might need to focus on socializing more – going out with your friends and making new ones.
4. Trying Different Things
Colleges consist of many different buildings, activities, classrooms, and people. You might find that you do not like all of those things at first, but there are some you will enjoy.
Trying new things is hard for anyone, but it’s something that everyone must do in college. Try to think of it as an adventure, not a chore. You will learn more about yourself by trying things you’re not used to doing than by following the same routine every day.
If you are resistant to change, try setting small goals for yourself. For example, if you usually spend your free time reading or writing papers, try going out with friends or joining a club that interests you.
Habits to Help You Love College
You will need to get prepared if you want to thrive academically in college. Here are some habits to help you love college:
1. Get organized
The first step to being organized while in college is to make a daily schedule. You may not always stick to it, but having a schedule will prevent you from wasting time.
Know your limits when setting up your schedule and do not try to do too much or you will burn out quickly. If you have a hard time getting started, spend 15-20 minutes on the most important task first thing in the morning.
2. Wake up Early
You will feel like your day is packed by noon if you sleep in until 2 p.m. So set your alarm clock for 8 a.m., even if it means getting out of bed before the sun rises.
3. Prepare for Tests and Papers
One needs to prepare for tests and papers ahead of time. This will give you plenty of time to study and complete assignments without stressing out at the last minute.
It is also a good idea to outline each paper before writing it so you know what information needs to be included in your work.
Do not forget that outlines that are useful for more than just papers. More importantly, they can be useful for test preparation as well!
4. Find friends who can help
It is great to have friends who share your interests. Better yet, having friends who keep you accountable for your goals can be even more important. You can ask them to remind you of what you need to do each day or check in with them weekly or monthly.
To some, getting a new friend can be a challenge. Adjust yourself and know some tips to assist you.
5.Treat School like a Job
If you want to be successful in school, treat it like a job. Show up prepared to go to work every day, with your homework done .Organize your materials so that you know exactly what you need to do that day. If you fall behind, find someone who can help you catch up before it’s too late.
Is College Life Worth It?
Is college life worth your time? Some of the benefits of college life include:
- Academic Developments: College life stimulates intellectual growth, which is unique to your life.
- Social development: The social environment of a college campus, with its hundreds and thousands of people, exposes students to a large number of people.
- Tolerance: Because colleges welcome diversity of all kinds (except political), they are generally more tolerant environments than most communities
- Social activities: Many colleges have an active “social” scene (parties, bars, nightclubs, etc.). These social activities can be great fun.
Cons
- Getting into debt: If you are planning on going to college, you should start saving money as soon as possible because the cost of education keeps on rising year after year.
- Transitional challenges: College life can be difficult for students because it is a transitional time. Students must cope with their peers and professors as well as their issues.
- It is all work and no play: With all the homework, projects, and exams it is hard to find time for fun and games. With so many distractions in college, it is easy for students to get off track. College life can be difficult if students do not go to class or do their homework.
Joseph is a freelance journalist and a part-time writer with a particular interest in the gig economy. He writes about schooling, college life, and changing trends in education. When not writing, Joseph is hiking or playing chess.