We always seem to hear about how much better middle school is than high school and then how much better high school is than middle school. We hear the same thing about college and can't wait to graduate. But what makes college the best?
1. Picking your own class times.
Remember when you had to get up at 5 a.m. every weekday morning? Not anymore! The ability to pick and choose your classes and class times is one of the greatest perks in college! You can go to class every day, every other day, take night classes, have Fridays off, take class online-- there are so many choices and so much more freedom! While there are a few exceptions to this idea (live far away, only available class is in the morning, etc.), most students are able to find classes at multiple times and can choose what they want. Take advantage of this! Take afternoon classes! Sleep in a little bit
2. Choosing your meal times.
Not only do you get to go to choose your class times but also your meal times! No more waiting for a bell to ring or having to scarf down food in 20 minutes. College gives you the chance to pick your own time to eat and, for the most part, you can take your time. Breaks between classes can sometimes be up to two hours! Take your time and enjoy the break!
3. Being outdoors.
It's hard to think about the idea of enjoying time outside while it's winter, but it's a wonderful part of the freedom college offers. I'm sure we can all remember a time when it was beautiful outside but we were stuck in a school building all day with a bad case of spring fever. In college, there are places to sit and study outside both in the shade and in the sun. Classes are also in multiple buildings so you'll get the chance to walk around in the beautiful spring weather on your way to class. Spring fever no more!
4. Knowing all of your course week on day one.
Whenever you were given a syllabus in high school, it usually contained class rules, class objectives, and maybe some information on the big projects and papers that would be assigned. In college, the syllabus is golden. It contains every assignment and in-class activity throughout the entire semester along with the professor's office hours, the professor's individual attendance policy, and the professor's expectations. Everything you need to know is on that syllabus and you get to see it on day one! It's so much easier to plan time for each assignment when you know when everything is going to take place.
5. No judgement.
In college, nearly everyone is dressed the same: hoodie, sweatpants, and tennis shoes. No one cares if you wear heels and a dress or yoga pants and a t-shirt. Middle school and high school are often considered to be judgmental environments. Colleges are judge-free zones! Every one is too focused on their own life to care about how you dress or whether or not you fell asleep on the couch at the library.
6. Couches. Couches everywhere.
There are lounge chairs and couches all over campus. There may very well be some in every building. It completely beats sitting on benches or desk chairs, even though those are also around campus. Having the option to sit somewhere comfy is great,especially when you're tired. It's not uncommon to walk by a couch and see a student fast asleep with a textbook laying on top of them. For the nappers, the couches are a beautiful part of college.
7. Food options.
There is always this idea that all cafeteria food is disgusting. Not in college! There are twice as many options and usually a few specialty choices like Lindenwood's Chick-fil-a and Qdoba. Along with those are usually a variety of sandwiches, salads, grilled meats, pizza, donuts, pasta, and so much more. Tired of those options? Most colleges are usually surrounded with other food chains. There are plenty of choices even for the pickiest people!
8. Finding your passion!
One of the greatest reasons to love college is the reason you are going! Finding something you love to do and learning about it makes school so much more fun! Pick a major you love and you might just actually enjoy school! What your in school for now is what you are hoping to do for possibly the rest of your working life. It's an exciting part of the adventure that gives you the chance to focus on classes that you are skilled in. Even if you have to change your major a couple of times to find it, working toward your passion is a fantastic part of the college experience!
9. Finding yourself!
Above all, college gives you an opportunity to learn more about yourself than ever before! Discovering new talents, making new friends, and growing as an individual are all great parts of the experience and can all help define who you are. College is the time to try new things and go on new adventures. Join club, study abroad, or take an interesting class! Make the most of your time in college and focus on you! Get to know yourself better!
