What Do College Students Care about Most?

Hi, I'm trying to get a feel for the college experience and what actually matters to those who are living it. From current college students or recent grads, what things ended up mattering most to you during your time in college?

Hi there! Great question. I can share some insights that I gathered from numerous college students and recent grads.

First and foremost, many say their studies are what mattered the most. They chose their majors based on their interests and career aspirations, and they committed a lot of time and energy to learning, completing assignments, and preparing for exams. These academic experiences helped them to refine their future career paths and gave them the tools and knowledge they needed to succeed after graduation.

A significant number of them also found that personal development was a crucial part of their college experience. Living away from home often for the first time, they learned how to be independent, manage their time, make decisions, and navigate diverse social environments. This helped them grow and mature as individuals.

Social connections and relationships also played a big role in their college lives. This included friendships, interactions with professors and staff, and involvement in clubs, organizations, or sports. These connections made the college experience more enjoyable and provided a support network when times were tough.

Finally, many found that the internship and career opportunities they pursued while in college were extremely important. These experiences allowed them to apply what they had learned in class, gain practical skills, make valuable connections, and often led to job offers after graduation.

In sum, it seems that a healthy blend of academic commitment, personal growth, social interactions, and career-related experiences are what mattered the most to them during their college years. Each person's college experience is unique, however, so what one person values might differ from another. So it's important to shape your own path based on what you find most meaningful.