I liked high school, I really did. I went to a really amazing high school and had the opportunity to achieve a really great education as well as to be able to make great connections with my teachers. Overall I had a really great experience in high school but even still, college is way better.
1. Cliques Go Away
Since I have gotten to college I have made so many new friends with all different types of people. Living with so many people your own age makes you realize that being friends with people that are different than you is awesome. I have become friends friends with so many people that I would have never even talked to in high school and that's part of what makes the college experience so unique.
2. Your Time
It's an amazing feeling to know that you don't have to get up at 6:30 in the morning everyday. On Tuesdays and Thursdays I don't have class until 2:10. That's right 2:10. I don't start class until when most people are out of high school. That means that I can sleep in, do laundry, get work done, get lunch and then go to class. It's amazing to be able to make your schedule around what works best for you.
3. The Bond
Living with so many people your own age does something strange to you. It took everyone in my hall only a few weeks to develop a routine and learn a crazy amount of information about each other. In college you spend the vast majority of your time with the same group of people so it's likely that you will get really close very fast.
4. Time Management
In college it's up to you to be responsible. Nobody is there to make you go to class or do your work or do laundry. It's all up to you. This is the time when most people make mistakes and learn from them. People grow a lot in college and use mistakes as learning opportunities which is less likely in high school.
5. Freedom to Take Classes That You're Interested In
In most high schools you had little to no say in what your schedule looked like. You were forced to have a block of six plus hours of classes that you were probably not even close to being interested in. In college you make your own schedule and (for the most part) pick the classes that you want. While you'll have to take a few classes that you don't like, but the majority will be major specific and taught by professors that are highly educated in their fields.
6. Clubs and Organizations
Being in a club in some high schools isn't always seen as the cool thing to do but in college it's highly encouraged. Participating in student organizations is one of the best ways to make friends and can look good on resumes, and can also just be really fun to do.
7. Independence
While it may be very cliche, one of the best parts about being at college is living on your own. It is really scary to move out, but once you get past the initial shock, it's amazing. College is the perfect stepping stone into adulthood because you technically still live at home, but you still have the freedom of being away at school.
