College really the best 4 years of your life?

[Anonymous]

Yes, it was the most amazing four years. Why? Because you’re young and free, and go where the wind takes you. I went to college in a lovely college town that had crisp fall days, beautiful leaves, deep snow. All of it made me so happy!! Plus, I developed deep friendships that were deeply satisfying. We laughed, we talked, we stumbled. Still friends today.

[Anonymous]

No

[Anonymous]

Some of the best definitely!

Post-college mid 20s when I met my husband and we traveled like crazy and parties with our friends- who also traveled with us was super fun too.

Freedom

[Anonymous]

It was amazing. That doesn’t mean every day was sunshine and roses but I was lucky enough to be learning with amazing people every day. And it was much less hectic than high school because of the fewer number of class hours each day. I was lucky and didn’t have to work much during college so I had a lot of free time. I had amazingly close friends who were always around that I still keep in touch with today.

[Anonymous]

Not the best, but they sure were fun! I worked a lot, so I didn't have the freedom some of my friends did.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think if a period in your past was the best time in your life, that's sad.

I have way more responsibilities now, but I know myself better, I have beautiful children I love dearly, and a partner I love. I struggle a lot and have some tragedies in my life but I wouldn't go back unless it was to study harder and apply myself more!

I don’t.

My dad lived life to the fullest and was nostalgic about his college days with his lifelong friends—-who he continued to be close with into his 80s.

Of course he had best days- birth if kids, grandkids, weddings—but it doesn’t negate that time on your own with zero responsibility and figuring yourself out and having a good time.

[Anonymous]

Mine was my late 20s early 30s when I had money, met my dh, and traveled a ton.

18 to 22 year olds still can't rent a car nor do most have a lot of money to travel the way I did later in life.

But, if you have no responsibilities other than going to class and taking tests, and you have friends and classes aren't that hard, then it's at least the second best time of your life. I know my DC appreciates not having to worry about finances like I did.

[Anonymous]

My college years are definitely among the best years of my life. I was only responsible for myself and I had the safety net of my parents if things didn’t work out as planned. Life was good.

[Anonymous]

College was unbeatable. I was in a top-tier fraternity. There was an endless supply of fine women to date and hook up with. All my best friends were a short walk away -- sometimes just down the hall -- and always down to do fun stuff. My only responsibility was going to class 15 hours a week and crushing exams with the help of our extensive test bank. Parties every weekend. Football games. Tailgates. Did I mention the fine women? When else but college do you get to live like that? I feel sorry for anyone who doesn't get to have a college experience like mine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I keep reading on this forum that college was amazing back in the day. I look back and I don’t see it that way. I am still really good friends with one person after 20 years. I remember college as a time where I slept in, rolled out of bed, went to class if I felt like it, went out, drank, took tests, and had a work study job. Nothing of that was earth shattering amazing. I graduated with a B and got a job before my senior year ended in consulting.

Now I read these threads and everyone has this take on how kids aren’t experiencing college as it use to be and it was an amazing time for us back in the day. Is that really true?

Its a different experience for every individual but for majority, it is. First four years of their adult lives, living with their peers, away from structured lives at home and schools, in new towns, at peak of their youth, intellectual stimulation, hope for future, involvement in democratic process, social justice and voting etc etc.

[Anonymous]

Id say like 18-25 is pretty good. At least it was for me. so not exclusively college but a few carefree years after too.

[Anonymous]

Post-college with a taste of money but still a ton of freedom was the best. Mid-20s for me.

[Anonymous]

I had a fabulous time in college, but it certainly hasn't been downhill from there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I keep reading on this forum that college was amazing back in the day. I look back and I don’t see it that way. I am still really good friends with one person after 20 years. I remember college as a time where I slept in, rolled out of bed, went to class if I felt like it, went out, drank, took tests, and had a work study job. Nothing of that was earth shattering amazing. I graduated with a B and got a job before my senior year ended in consulting.

Now I read these threads and everyone has this take on how kids aren’t experiencing college as it use to be and it was an amazing time for us back in the day. Is that really true?

College was great and a blast. I loved to learn and used all that my college had. I also partied hard when I could. Great spring breaks in Florida with people, bowl games -- football roadtrips. I grew a lot. The best years? No those are the ones with my DW and kids. I would not trade a single sports match of DD for all the beer and girls.

[Anonymous]

College was amazing. I loved law school too. Best of my life? No, I think my life is pretty great and each stage has something amazing to offer. But still, college should be a fantastic 4 years and I pity those who didn’t feel that way about it.