8 answers
Sophia
Student
Otsego, Minnesota
4
Questions
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What was your favorite part about college?
I just want to get your opinion on what the best part of college was from your perspective and why, also where did you go to college and do you think you would've had the same experience at a different college.
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8 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1464
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Sofia,
Alright so, College is such a unique experience, and the "best part" really depends on the person! For many, the best part is the freedom and independence—getting to make your own choices, explore new interests, and start shaping your future.
Another highlight is meeting new people. College brings together people from all different backgrounds, and some of those friendships last a lifetime. Whether it’s through classes, clubs, sports, or just hanging out in the dorms, you’ll meet people who challenge and inspire you.
Exploring new subjects is another huge plus. You might go in thinking you know exactly what you want to study and end up falling in love with something totally different. College is a time to take interesting classes, dive into different perspectives, and figure out what excites you. And of course, for some, it’s the extracurriculars and experiences—whether that’s studying abroad, internships, student organizations, or late-night adventures with friends.
As for whether you’d have the same experience at a different college—probably not exactly the same, but every school offers something special. It’s less about the specific college and more about what you make of it. If you take advantage of opportunities, get involved, and stay open to new experiences, you’ll have an amazing time no matter where you go!
Alright so, College is such a unique experience, and the "best part" really depends on the person! For many, the best part is the freedom and independence—getting to make your own choices, explore new interests, and start shaping your future.
Another highlight is meeting new people. College brings together people from all different backgrounds, and some of those friendships last a lifetime. Whether it’s through classes, clubs, sports, or just hanging out in the dorms, you’ll meet people who challenge and inspire you.
Exploring new subjects is another huge plus. You might go in thinking you know exactly what you want to study and end up falling in love with something totally different. College is a time to take interesting classes, dive into different perspectives, and figure out what excites you. And of course, for some, it’s the extracurriculars and experiences—whether that’s studying abroad, internships, student organizations, or late-night adventures with friends.
As for whether you’d have the same experience at a different college—probably not exactly the same, but every school offers something special. It’s less about the specific college and more about what you make of it. If you take advantage of opportunities, get involved, and stay open to new experiences, you’ll have an amazing time no matter where you go!
Brock Bowman
1
Answer
Eugene, Oregon
Updated
Brock’s Answer
The most exciting part of college has been gaining independence and discovering things on my own. At the University of Oregon, I've met so many amazing people, and I love the vibrant energy on campus—whether it's cheering at a football game, exploring Eugene, or just relaxing with friends. It's been wonderful to dive into classes that truly interest me, instead of just fulfilling high school requirements.
Even if I had chosen a different college, some things might be different—like the campus atmosphere and specific opportunities—but the journey of personal growth and learning would remain. UO has its own special culture, and it's been a great fit for me so far. I'm confident it will be for you too!
Even if I had chosen a different college, some things might be different—like the campus atmosphere and specific opportunities—but the journey of personal growth and learning would remain. UO has its own special culture, and it's been a great fit for me so far. I'm confident it will be for you too!
Hannah Moenickheim
Power Space and Cooling Engineer
1
Answer
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Hannah’s Answer
Hi Sophia,
I graduated from The University of Texas at Austin in 2018, so I've had ~7 years in the workforce to reflect on this answer. Looking back, there are so many "best" parts of college. I miss it all so much!
One of my favorite parts was gaining independence. I could set my own schedule - I could study when I wanted, explore the city when I wanted, and socialize when I wanted. College is a great place to gain unlimited new experiences - my advice would be to say yes to everything (within reason). You never know what new activity, class, or relationship could change your life!
I also loved the social and sport scene at UT - I second Braelee's answer above. UT is such a fun school to attend if you love sports and comradery. I was also in a sorority, which really got me out of my comfort zone. I was very quiet in high school, so branching out socially was a big goal of mine in college. Being a part of a social group with like-minded women made my college experience incredibly fun.
To answer your last question, the majority of my experience would be completely different if I went to a different school. UT is in the city, making it unique to other schools that are located in a college town. UT is a large school, so I know my experience would be completely different if I went to a smaller school with less people, opportunities, and events. UT is also very focused on academia - everyone around me was very smart and driven! However, regardless of where I went, I would've gained independence and learned a lot both academically and personally.
If you are in the process of visiting schools, I'd recommend visiting different sized schools with different selling points to see what you resonate with the most! Best of luck in your search!
I graduated from The University of Texas at Austin in 2018, so I've had ~7 years in the workforce to reflect on this answer. Looking back, there are so many "best" parts of college. I miss it all so much!
One of my favorite parts was gaining independence. I could set my own schedule - I could study when I wanted, explore the city when I wanted, and socialize when I wanted. College is a great place to gain unlimited new experiences - my advice would be to say yes to everything (within reason). You never know what new activity, class, or relationship could change your life!
I also loved the social and sport scene at UT - I second Braelee's answer above. UT is such a fun school to attend if you love sports and comradery. I was also in a sorority, which really got me out of my comfort zone. I was very quiet in high school, so branching out socially was a big goal of mine in college. Being a part of a social group with like-minded women made my college experience incredibly fun.
To answer your last question, the majority of my experience would be completely different if I went to a different school. UT is in the city, making it unique to other schools that are located in a college town. UT is a large school, so I know my experience would be completely different if I went to a smaller school with less people, opportunities, and events. UT is also very focused on academia - everyone around me was very smart and driven! However, regardless of where I went, I would've gained independence and learned a lot both academically and personally.
If you are in the process of visiting schools, I'd recommend visiting different sized schools with different selling points to see what you resonate with the most! Best of luck in your search!
Islamiyya Aina
Accountant
6
Answers
Baltimore, Maryland
Updated
Islamiyya’s Answer
Hi Sophia,
My favorite part of college was working my on-campus job at the student center. This is because of the countless opportunities I had to meet a variety of people from different walks of life such as student athletes, first generation students, veterans, etc., and learn from their life experiences. We also had a lot of campus events at the student center that really brought the campus community together and fostered school spirit. Finally, being able to help student groups bring their campus events to life for the larger community to enjoy gave me a sense of purpose on campus.
I attended the University of Maryland, College Park for all of my four years in college and I honestly don't think that I would've had the same experience at a different college but that doesn't necessarily have to be viewed as a bad thing. I think that each college has a unique social atmosphere that cannot be replicated due to the different student bodies and staff that contribute to it. So while professionally I would've most likely ended up on the same path even if I attended a different college, I definitely feel as though I would be a different person socially.
My favorite part of college was working my on-campus job at the student center. This is because of the countless opportunities I had to meet a variety of people from different walks of life such as student athletes, first generation students, veterans, etc., and learn from their life experiences. We also had a lot of campus events at the student center that really brought the campus community together and fostered school spirit. Finally, being able to help student groups bring their campus events to life for the larger community to enjoy gave me a sense of purpose on campus.
I attended the University of Maryland, College Park for all of my four years in college and I honestly don't think that I would've had the same experience at a different college but that doesn't necessarily have to be viewed as a bad thing. I think that each college has a unique social atmosphere that cannot be replicated due to the different student bodies and staff that contribute to it. So while professionally I would've most likely ended up on the same path even if I attended a different college, I definitely feel as though I would be a different person socially.
Isabel Lozano
Social worker/Clinical Supervisor
3
Answers
Aberdeen, Maryland
Updated
Isabel’s Answer
Hi Sophia!
While I wish I took more advantage of them, my favorite part of college were the opportunities. College is the chance to make friends, acquaintances and even gain references and network connections. In college you find out about traveling opportunities, paid internships, future job opportunities. If you're going to a college in a place you've never been to, you get a chance to explore this new environment away from home. It's the chance to be in a healthy uncertain environment where you'll grow and learn so much about yourself and the world.
Personally, I went to my city's local community college and then after I graduated from there I drove a 45 minute commute to the University I attended. I think I would have been able to focus better on those opportunities and finish my MSW faster if I had just stuck to one University. Unfortunately, I just didn't have the privilege to do so and thats alright. I made the best of it.
Good luck with your journey!
While I wish I took more advantage of them, my favorite part of college were the opportunities. College is the chance to make friends, acquaintances and even gain references and network connections. In college you find out about traveling opportunities, paid internships, future job opportunities. If you're going to a college in a place you've never been to, you get a chance to explore this new environment away from home. It's the chance to be in a healthy uncertain environment where you'll grow and learn so much about yourself and the world.
Personally, I went to my city's local community college and then after I graduated from there I drove a 45 minute commute to the University I attended. I think I would have been able to focus better on those opportunities and finish my MSW faster if I had just stuck to one University. Unfortunately, I just didn't have the privilege to do so and thats alright. I made the best of it.
Good luck with your journey!
aineyah Hanna
I am in Education
3
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
aineyah’s Answer
Hi Sophia,
College was a mix of excitement and discovery for me. I had a great time, made friends, and, most importantly, learned a lot and gained valuable experience.
College was a mix of excitement and discovery for me. I had a great time, made friends, and, most importantly, learned a lot and gained valuable experience.
Virginia Hooton
1
Answer
Mishawaka, Indiana
Updated
Virginia’s Answer
Hey Sophia,
I attended IUPUI, and for me the best part were the connections I made. I made tons of friends in different fields and degree paths, I learned so much about the world just from other students sharing their experiences.
I was lucky to also meet those in the industry I wanted to join, and my professors were active in the industry at one point so I was able to make connections in the field easier.
My friends were the most valuable connections I made though, they continue to reach out and we help eachothwr even though we have all graduated.
Your experience on campus will be unique, so don't worry if your experiences don't match others.
I attended IUPUI, and for me the best part were the connections I made. I made tons of friends in different fields and degree paths, I learned so much about the world just from other students sharing their experiences.
I was lucky to also meet those in the industry I wanted to join, and my professors were active in the industry at one point so I was able to make connections in the field easier.
My friends were the most valuable connections I made though, they continue to reach out and we help eachothwr even though we have all graduated.
Your experience on campus will be unique, so don't worry if your experiences don't match others.
Braelee Hernandez
Student (pre- physical therapy)
5
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Braelee’s Answer
Hey there! College is such a fun and new experience and exploring everything for the first time is such a great part of college. I do think my favorite thing though, might have to be the sports culture, such as the football games, volleyball games, or even basketball games this semester. As a student at the University of Texas at Austin, our sports are pretty good here so the atmosphere during games are a blast! Everyone has a different experience and just feel free to explore all your options, and things will come your way!