10 Things That Make College The Best Time Of Your Life 

Here is a list I have compiled from personal experience and what a few Sri Lankans had to say about college being exciting, fun and not just four years of academic gloom and a financial wreck! 

So if you’re about kick start your freshman year? Don’t worry! 

1. Living Someplace Completely Different From Where You Grew Up 

That’s right! You’d be in a brand new city, experience living in a new-fangled environment. Most importantly away from everyone you know, cheers to not running into people you’ve known your whole life and avoiding those retched neighbors and annoying relatives for a good 4 years. 

2. Meeting People You Never Would Have Encountered In Your Hometown 

It’s just like ordering food – Chinese, Indian, British, Italian you name it! 

“ I have met people from all over the world and college is literally a bursting pot of multicultural students, of course it takes time to adjust to, however as long as you are willing to be patient they become lifelong friends” – Natasha Dissanayake- Corvinus University of Budapest. 

3. No Parental Curfews 

You read it right! Finally you get to do whatever you want, from leaving your apartment or coming back – say goodbye to ten o clock curfews for good. Curfew who? 

“College life is the best, you literally get to experience being an adult first hand and the best part is that you are your own boss. You make the decisions and yes curfews they exist no more” - Chanakya Gamage - Griffiths University of Australia. 

4. Finding Passions You Never Knew You Had 

Walking into college and those extra classes of chemistry and Spanish or theatre makes you unleash the inner chemist, drama queen in you only because you were too afraid to try them out during high school. 

5. You Can Eat Chocolate Or Even Pizza For Breakfast Everyday 

Food, glorious food! There’s no hard fast rule to have your greens, waffles for dinner, chocolate for breakfast and pizza for lunch, probably end up giving your parents a heart attack if they were around with their broccoli and beans. Urgh. 

“Best part about college is that you can have breakfast for dinner and dinner for breakfast! Food anytime anywhere and whenever – no one’s gonna judge you” – Anonymous Deakin University of Australia. 

6. Being Surrounded By Likeminded People 

"When I started college it actually felt like I was finally stepping out into the world. It was amazing to meet people who actually shared my passion for finance. It was an eye opener to meet people from different backgrounds and ethnicities and to see that they also share the same goals.” – Ronali Wickrematunge, National School of Business Management Sri Lanka. 

7. Living With Your Best Friends (Hashtag Goals Achieved?) 

Goal achieved! You can get to all sorts of mischief; have secret rendezvous and what not together! And yes of course attending lectures together. 

“I guess the homesickness kind of feeling just goes down a notch... Actually by a lot when you’re living with your best friend. It would be a lot harder if you’re living alone or with strangers” – Panchani Jayamanne, SLIIT Malabe. 

8. The Spirit Of Your Liver 

Spirits? Right. College parties and the local bars would be the cause of your much needed source of entertainment and well, the hangover although I must say – do drink responsibly. Nothing kills a good time like alcohol poisoning and yes all the chilling with the dudes and girls along with the DJ heating up the dance floors. 

9. Going Home Becomes Kind Of Like A Vacation 

Heading back where you were the cheeky little kid can get a little awkward especially since you’re no longer that kid anymore but I’m certain you and your family will square with the fact. Although it definitely will be great to take a step back from the hectic college life and get over the feelings of home sickness with family and friends. 

10. Being Independent! 

Sure you still have your fair share of responsibilities from passing your classes and not getting fired from work yadda yadda but hey! You don’t have a parent or someone similar keeping you under surveillance, watching your every move anymore “I’m finally free!” 

By Zainab Faizal