Is college really a necessary and positive experience?

Aside from the college degree of course. That magic piece of paper is important for landing a good job. But aside from that, is the college experience really that valuable?





I'm in college now, and most of what I've learned during my time in college I've learned outside of school on my own. I mostly just see college students partying and drinking. So what's the point, really?

Is college really a necessary and positive experience?
I believe the college experience is very valuable. You should become involved in campus activities such as volunteer work, and other groups. I met a lot in my college activities which I have been able to carry on into my adult life. College does not/should not be about the partying. I did not party very much at all, but gained some great friends and learned a lot about leadership, teamwork, etc... Enjoy these four years and make the most of it.
Reply:Well, as with anything in life, its what you make of it. If not for college, some people would just get an apartment around the corner from their parents and work some job everyday around the corner from there, and just exist in this 10 mile radius of where they grew up, never experiencing the huge world around them.


Aside from the "magic paper" (which by the way may not bring you much magic at all, i have two degrees), college is really about opening up your world. Sure there are people who just get drunk and stuff, but there are others who take advantage of the experience. There are probably people at your school from all over the world, and from many different backgrounds. Now is your opportunity to get involved in campus organizations, meet people from all over, and find out what you are going to do the rest of your life. You might not figure it out behind a desk, but college is a great opportunity to do some exploring. Take a class abroad, or just meet somebody from somewhere else. Jump out and live it up!
Reply:John, you didn't say how long you have been going to college. But I can tell you this. Even though we are retired, we managed to put our son through college, spending well over $55,000 to do it. I never had the privilege of attending college so I wanted something for my son that I didn't have.





Although he was somewhat lukewarm about staying in during the 4 years it took to get his degree, he finally earned it, came home and then decided to go on and get his masters degree, this time at his own expense.





Upon completion he took a job for a state agency in a field that he personally liked. Within six months he was promoted to a much better position with higher pay, greater responsibilities, plus a car and many other benefits. Needless to say, he is very glad he went to college.





As for the wife and I, we attended various social functions at the university while he was completing his undergraduate degree and developed a fondness for that institution to the extent that after he graduated we actually missed going up there and attending.





Yes, a college degree is a must if you want to get somewhere in this world and eventually make much higher pay than you would without that degree. So hang in there, stay with it and someday you'll be glad that you did.
Reply:in todayz world high school degree is bullshit, letz just say a


Associate Degree is like a high school degree.
Reply:College can be a transition period for most young adults, especially if they go away to school. It's a period where they don't have their parents taking care of their daily needs for them (like laundry, dishes, food preparation) but they can often still depend on their parents for most of their financial needs. I had to learn to take care of my car on my own, that the money I was given only went so far, and to not put a red towel in with your white clothes.





College can also be a chance for young adults to meet people with more varied backgrounds and experiences than they may have previously. While I did my share of partying and drinking (it was the first time in my life I didn't have people depending on me, so I cut loose a bit), I also learned a lot about my own belief system and the kind of person I am through the debates and discussions I had with various dorm and class mates.





I don't believe that college is necessary for everyone personally or professionally, but I believe it can be a very positive experience. It was one of the best times of my life. I think this was as much because I went away to school rather than commuting from home. By going away, I got a fresh start and it made me appreciate my family more. A lot of my friends who stayed home for college had a harder time meeting new people and seemed to be living like they never left high school.