Is college supposed to be enjoyable?

College, however, is more than just attending classes and getting good grades. It's a combination of discovery, involvement, and enjoyment, and activities in and out of the classroom are part of shaping the complete experience.

Is college meant to be fun?

Absolutely — college is the best time of many people's lives. You are independent for the first time, you get to choose your classes, your social life, and your schedule.

Is it normal to not enjoy college?

Yes, this feeling is super common—you're not alone.

Whether it's academic pressure or the college lifestyle that's the cause, you're not alone. At the end of the day, we're all different. No one period, place, or lifestyle will suit everyone.

Is it normal to feel unhappy in college?

People often go into the experience thinking that it'll be nothing but fun, but it's typically harder than that. Going to college is a big adjustment and comes with many unexpected changes. This can leave you feeling a little homesick, which can manifest as feelings of sadness, isolation, and disconnection from others.

Am I supposed to be happy in college?

Happiness is important, especially in college. It can lead to being more effective, more productive and even healthier. One study that followed college students for years after graduation found that the students who were happier while in college had higher incomes than those who were unhappy.

Some Rough Advice for the "Real World"

What percentage of people enjoy college?

Overall, about 75% of students are satisfied with their experience. This is consistent with the 2022 State of College Student Experience report by Qualtrics where 75% of students were satisfied. But more importantly, the likelihood of a student to recommend their institution is five points below where it was in 2019.

Is college life fun or stressful?

Going to college can be stressful for a variety of reasons, including new routines and expectations, ramped-up academics, and unfamiliar surroundings. It's a lot for your student to manage—even if some of it is fun.

What percentage of college students are unhappy?

Mental Health Trends in California Colleges

The 2018 National College Health Assessment reports that in the past year, 63% of college students surveyed felt overwhelming anxiety, 42% felt so depressed that it was difficult to function, 62% felt very lonely, and 12% seriously considered suicide.

What to do if I feel like college isn't for me?

What is college burnout?

Burnout is when you feel emotionally, mentally, and physically exhausted because of all the demands of being a college student. It can show up in different ways, like feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or unmotivated. You might notice difficulty focusing or not performing as well academically as you used to.

Should I dropout of college if I hate it?

If you constantly feel depressed, anxious, and stressed because you don't know what you want to do in life and feel like you're wasting time in college, drop out and pursue your passions. There is no good reason to stay in college, racking up student loan debt when you're not even sure that you want to stick with it.

Do students regret going to college?

Despite wide differences in levels of regret when it comes to majors, the vast majority of respondents were glad they went to school. Only 9% of those who attended a public institution wish they had not gone to college, the Federal Reserve survey found.

How many people don't regret going to college?

Many Americans view college as the best years of their lives, but upon reflection, some people reported regretting some of the choices they had made along the way. Of all Americans, 66% have few to zero regrets about their college choices. Only 34% said they definitely regret their choices while in college.

Which is easier high school or college?

College classes are harder. The readings, exams, and homework are more intense, and the material itself is more complex. You decide what you want to study. Your area of focus is usually called your “major.” Different colleges and universities offer different majors.

What is college life actually like?

A typical college day will look a bit different for everyone, but most students are kept pretty busy. In addition to attending classes, most college students need to work in study time, meetings with professors and classmates, library visits, meals in the dining halls, extracurriculars, and other activities.

Does college lead to a happier life?

In fact, college graduates live an average of seven years longer than their less-educated peers. College-educated adults tend to live happier lives. confidence, a better sense of independence, and stronger feelings of control over their lives. ⌘ College graduates tend to be more resilient and less depressed.

How do I know college isn't right for me?

You might notice your grades slipping, feeling disinterested in doing things you'd typically want to do, a desire to isolate yourself, chronic oversleeping, or a variety of other signs you're not thriving where you are. Check-in with yourself.

Why do I feel so lonely in college?

You may often experience the absence of family and friends especially if college has required you to move out of your hometown. Moving away to college can be a massive adjustment which can often result in feelings of isolation especially if you're used to regularly being surrounded by your support system.

What is end of semester burnout?

Self-care will look different for everyone, but its primary goal is universal: doing something to improve your social, physical, and/or mental health. Taking the time to do something that will allow you to rest, clear your head, or get more energy can go a long way in fighting burnout.

How many people regret going to college?

Research from Strada Education and Gallup finds 51% of Americans regret higher education decisions.

How common is failing college?

First-time undergraduate first-year students have a 12-month dropout rate of 24.1%. Among first-time bachelor's degree seekers, 25.7% ultimately drop out; among all undergraduate students, up to 40% drop out. 40 million Americans were college dropouts in July 2021; 864,824 of them re-enrolled that fall.

How do colleges flunk mental health?

But some administrations are so worried about potential liability, getting a reputation as a "suicide school" and the safety of the community that they discipline students with mental health issues instead of giving them or even informing them of their federal rights.

Why am I so struggling in college?

One of the most common ways that college students struggle is with their academics. In higher education, there is often an increased demand for analytical and critical thinking, on top of the inherent need for students to learn new systems and processes at school.

Should I skip school if I'm tired?

As a teacher, I am not a big fan of kids missing class, especially math class, especially if they're struggling to begin with. However, if the student is truly exhausted, there is not likely to be much learning anyway, so perhaps it'd be a good idea to stay home and catch up on sleep.

Why is college so exhausting?

The mental strain and other stressors of college, combined with not always eating and sleeping properly, often result in significant fatigue. Anxiety, depression, excessive alcohol use, and mood-altering drug use can also cause fatigue. Common physical causes of fatigue are hypothyroidism and anemia.