How has college changed
Start writing a post
Education

3 Ways Our Parents Really Did Have It Better In Terms Of The College Life

College now? Oh hell no.

63
3 Ways Our Parents Really Did Have It Better In Terms Of The College Life
https://www.pexels.com/photo/photography-of-people-graduating-1205651/

I just did an all-nighter for a computer science project and watching the culture of normalizing this excessive burden of studying for your classes and leaving mental health behind has made me wonder, was college this bad in my parents' day?

I asked them and they said no. Moreover, they said that it was a breeze and nothing like what they have heard from me.

So the reality is that our parents did have it better in their time, in terms of college life at least.

Here are 3 things that make college the sad reality it is today:

1. The pressure

Giphy

There seem to be much more choices and it puts increased pressure on us to make the right choices. We have so many things we need to do because of how accessible the world has become. We can do anything so why aren't we doing everything?

2. The money

Giphy

College tuition has more than doubled since the time of our parents. From the late 1980s to the 2017-18 school year, the cost of an undergraduate degree rose by 213% at public schools, adjusting for inflation. A single textbook can cost up to $300, and the average college student is expected to spend more than $1,200 on textbooks annually and dorming is horribly expensive.

3. The stress

Giphy

From 2005 to 2015, the proportion of freshmen said they "occasionally or frequently feel overwhelmed" increased by 10%, according to the Huffington Post. This is because of the constant pressure to strive for the next thing, even when you have achieved what you set out to do which I just have to say, is the definition of millennial burnout.

Perhaps this could also be why students nowadays are balancing more in addition to their school work. According to a study by the Center for Education and the Workforce at Georgetown University, 70% to 80% of students have a job while attending school — 40% of them work more than 30 hours a week, exceeding the 15 hours a week cap they should maintain without hurting their academics.

Now I wish I was alive at that time.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

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

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

43094
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
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

27074
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

952066
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

142465
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments