Anyone here think that university is not for them?

Question

Continuing my rants on how I hate university, let me explain just why I do. I just don't feel in my heart that it was meant for me. I feel as if I go there, I will feel out of place just like I did in high school- with no one to relate to. I feel like I am just too different in my views from anyone else. Everyone will probably just want to take it easy and party and get drunk, and I hate the popular girls who party every weekend night and get all the hot guys and drink and have sex but secretly crave to be one of them but know I won't because I am too shy and have conflicting views. I also feel that university just sucks money out of you and sometimes the degree you get won't even get you a better job than those who haven't gone to uni. There are also other things I want to do with my life, like just having fun with the simple things - hanging out with my real friends, not those that just want you for sex and are more concerned with looks than what's inside. What do you guys think?

Like I mentioned before, I'm part Chinese and the relatives on that side of my family think university is the only way to go. I think I'll be disowned if I don't go... and I feel like telling them how I feel and pursuing my own dreams... but then I think that what if later down the road I'll think they were right? I am sooo confused... I don't want to blow k's of $ that I don't have.

Answer 1

This is an interesting question. I dragged myself kicking and screaming through my last two years of university. I've been very successful by monetary standards, but I feel that my person would have been better served by spending my time finding myself in other ways before committing to a program. I think it is almost criminal to force an 18 year old to choose a college major. You really just do not know enough. If you're unsure then take a year and work. You're young. Trust me. Anyone in their 20s or less is young (I'm still in my 20s btw). You might feel compelled to get on with life, but in the working world all the 40 year olds are making the decisions anyway. You have time.

I think those who pick a major and enjoy it will find university very rewarding. If you really pay attention and actually learn the stuff you'll find yourself a) learning how to learn b) learning some interesting stuff. Do not expect university to give you xyz skills for the workplace. Though people try to spin it that way I think the purest university experience is one where you say "ok, this is what I'm doing for 4 years. I'm forgetting about money. that comes later. now I'm learning and that's all." If you talk to profs, the good ones will tell you that is how you should approach your studies. I gnashed my teeth about "why am I studying this" a lot of the time, but have later realized it was almost always useful.

I also believe that some people are just not suited to university. People push it as the must have degree, but if you're looking to just work and have a middle class life college can set you up fine for that. You'll spend less time in college and the courses are more applied.

And make sure you have fun. The best idea might be to have fun for a couple of years and then devote yourself to studying after that.

If you think you're very different in your views and you still like the idea of university then you should consider going to a school with a good arts and humanities program. Take lots of psychology and philosophy courses. These courses will expose you to more people who are thinking and you will learn to think better. I wish I'd had some time to study philosophy in uni. Yes, there will be people taking the easy route just to get the degree, but there are people like that everywhere, even in the working world.

Decide what is best for you personally. You are the only one who knows. And the answer can change over time. That's allowed.

Answer 2

I think it's very possible that college/university isn't for everyone. I will be a senior at an Ivy League University this fall. There are so many asian guys and girls here that were forced into college from the day they were born. I see this a lot with asians, much more so than other ethnicities. The pressure to go to college, get your degree, and be a success can feel insurmountable at times.

College is hard. College takes a lot of work. College is definitely not for everyone.

But, a note: You can go to college and still have fun. Ultimately, a college degree-holder will earn more money than someone without a degree. You'll have more job options and, for what it's worth, a college degree carries a certain amount of prestige with it. It's possible to be financially successful without a degree, true, but statistically you'll earn more with a degree.

Answer 3

I personally learn better by doing than reading a book, and would much rather visit the places I'm studying than sit in a classroom and look at pictures. However, university is more practical. University isn't for everyone, though, and if it's not for you, then explore other options. Good luck!

Answer 4

I guess it all boils down to this: Do you want to be able to live on your own, have nice things, and be able to support yourself? If so, you need some additional training after high school whether it be going to the university or getting training somewhere else. I can't imagine NOT wanting to better myself. What can you do in this world with only a high school diploma? Not much......

Answer 5

seriously think about it before ruling out college. think of the long term.

i enjoyed my high school years and was an A student active in all activites and clubs. got to college and i just wasn't feeling the vibe, and found myself hating class and skipping them all together. so i took a break.

i finished up at a school in the city but i wish i would have obtained the 'true' college experience - you know dorm life....coming home for the holidays, etc.

if not for the education but instead for the 'experience' really think about giving it a chance. i agree its not for everyone because i know it wasn't for me. but unless you have the gift of gab or a good plan to write your own ticket - gaining meaningful employment without a degree of higher education.

Answer 6

college is awesome get over the basics and the rest is bull shait

Answer 7

if you dont want to go, dont go. go out and get a job.