Recommended for you

Start writing a post

Student Life

5 Reasons College Really Is the 4 (or More) Best Years Of Your Life

Life after graduation gets so much better.

Mary Kelleher

Jun 27, 2018

University of Washington

5 Reasons College Really Is the 4 (or More) Best Years Of Your Life

scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com

I've heard some people say that high school was the best four years of their life, but that just wasn't that case for me.

By the time I graduated, I was tired of stressful friendships, classes that I didn't like, and the judgmental culture. College gave me the opportunity to branch out and become a happier and more successful version of myself. Here are five reasons why college is indisputably better than high school.

1. It's easier to choose your friends

Giphy

I lived in the same city my entire life before coming to college, so I had been going to school with the same general pool of people for YEARS.

Coming to college was exciting because people could see me for who I was then without any prior judgment. I found it easier to connect with people that I felt drawn to and easier to stop seeing people who didn't make me feel good about myself.

2. The independence

Giphy

As an adult, you are in charge of your own life. Being reliant on yourself is incredibly empowering, and the only person around to monitor your life choices is – drumroll – you!

Want to go get pizza at 4 A.M. on a Tuesday? No one is stopping you! Need to skip class to catch up on sleep? Do it! Even if you make some questionable choices, having the freedom to do so is fantastic.

3. More flexibility with your education

Giphy

The lovely thing about college is that you get to decide what to study. So, if you hated math in high school, you really don't have to choose to study math in college. Isn't that incredible?

And if you haven't found your passion yet, you can take classes in subjects that interest you until you discover something that you want to pursue.

4. A better social life

Giphy

The social scene in college is infinitely better than in high school.

There's tons to do on any given day, and the diverse student body broadens the range of activities immensely. Even if you don't want to do anything big, you'll probably live near all of your friends and won't have to feel lonely.

5. More opportunities

Giphy

College presents you with the kind of resources you never could have imagined in high school. There are study abroad opportunities, research positions, internships, and so much more waiting for you if you give it a shot.

college

Report this Content

This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

Entertainment

25 Beatles Lyrics: Your Go-To Guide for Every Situation

The Best Lines from the Fab Four

SUNY Binghamton

94263

Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less

best beatles lyrics

Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Smith College

132453

college students waiting in a long line in the hallway

StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

waitlisted

Recommended for you

5 Reasons College Really Is the 4 (or More) Best Years Of Your Life

Life after graduation gets so much better.

1. It's easier to choose your friends

2. The independence

3. More flexibility with your education

4. A better social life

5. More opportunities

Subscribe to our Newsletter

The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

Trending Topics

Top Creators

Trending Stories

Best of Student Life

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments

Subscribe to our
Newsletter