Most college alumni if asked to share their memories of the years spent on campus would come up with stories that are full of exciting and valuable experiences. This is not surprising as we all tend to idealize our past and especially the times when we were younger and more energetic. 

However, not many will dare to approach their past with criticism and share the things they regret doing or not doing while in college. It takes courage and wisdom to accept and share one’s own mistakes, but such confessions make up for a more interesting and useful read for others, particularly for those who are just thinking of entering a college or who are students now.  

That is why we have prepared these top 5 college regrets of students.  

❌ Taking the wrong major. In most 4 year programs, you do not have to decide on a major until the end of the second year. However, once you decided, the direction of your senior years’ programs, as well as your degree, are pretty much fixed and defined. Not surprisingly, many students regret making a wrong choice, following a wrong educational path, and as a result struggling in their lives and career. Most often students regret taking these majors: English & Foreign Languages, Biological & Physical Studies, Education, Social Sciences & Law, Communications. Pretty much all of these majors are criticized for being impractical, too vague and general, offering limited job opportunities, or just hard to find a job without further advanced degrees & licenses.

❌ Not caring enough about studies. Even if students do make the right choice with majors, there is no guarantee they leave the college full of knowledge or graduate at all. The most often reason to blame is that they do not spend enough time or do not put enough energy into studying. Students may find their classes boring or peer-students and professors not interesting enough to learn and cooperate. Later in life, they face difficulties finding a well-paid entry-level job or simply struggle with their work assignments.

❌ Postponing things and avoiding responsibility. “I will figure it out later,” they say and avoid dealing with difficulties. Soon enough they opt to postpone discovering their passions, increasing their financial education, learning about the real world, taking some practical work assignments at college. Later in life, these things translate into similar behavioral patterns and real problems once they start leading an independent life. Needless to say, they regret having such a bad attitude to life and responsibilities in college. 

❌ Not socializing enough. Doing things together, social and cultural activities, sports, etc. may seem like an obvious thing while in college, but it’s not until we grow older and start independent lives that we come to realize how important networking is. As the proverb has it: “It’s not what you know, but who you know that matters the most”. The connections that we make in college often transform into useful business partnerships years later. Having a network of trustworthy friends is a big advantage as they can help with good advice, solve problems, support, and help in finding employment opportunities. In college, many do not care to be more active socially and make a network of life-long friends. Later they regret that missed opportunity.  

❌ Not making the most of what the campus life has to offer. Campus life has a lot more to offer than a library pass or a sports club. There are numerous interesting campus events and student extra-curriculum activities that can give one valuable experience, knowledge, and just a wonderful time. Instead many students prefer online games or social networks over campus-life exposure and that may come as a shortage later when employers ask whether they have been active in college community life and did any volunteer assignments.