As a fourth-year University of Connecticut student, I can confidently say my college journey was anything but what I expected. I started in 2020, amidst a pandemic, and soon dropped out for a year in 2021. After the much-needed break and recollection, I returned as a Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) major and a little after became a Sociology minor. Now, as I prepare to graduate in two months, I can’t help but reflect on what I’d do differently if given the chance. While I’ve grown and learned so much, here are my five biggest college regrets:
1. putting off my general education requirements
One of the most frustrating decisions I made during my college journey was postponing my general education requirements until my final years. Now, as a senior graduating in May, I find myself scrambling to complete these courses to stay on track for graduation. Over the past few semesters, I’ve taken more than 18 credits each term to compensate for what I call my “lazy years” — a period when I prioritized my free time and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. I gave myself grace during that time, but I may have been too lenient, leaving my present self to pick up the slack.
My academic interests have always surrounded my major and minor (which took a year for me to settle on), so I was eager to take courses related to human development and sociology rather than those required for general education. My junior year was my favorite because every class felt engaging and relevant, making me motivated to attend every day. However, in my final semester — whether due to burnout or a bad case of senioritis — I struggle to find the same motivation. Looking back, I wish I had completed my general education courses during my first two years, allowing me to enjoy my last two within the subjects I’m passionate about.
2. focusing too much on dating
It’s hard for me to admit this, but I wish I had spent less time worrying about boys, and more time focusing on my academics and extracurriculars. I came into college with a boyfriend, and after we broke up, I let the heartbreak consume me. Instead of putting my all into my studies and new opportunities, I spent too much time overanalyzing texts, stressing over dating, and worrying about what guys thought of me. The more I let relationships take up space in my mind, the less focused I was in class, and my grades would reflect that. If I had put even half that energy into my coursework or personal growth, I would have been a much stronger student — and probably a lot happier, too.
3. not utilizing university resources
UConn offers a wide variety of resources for disabled students, and I wish I had taken full advantage of them. From the Student Health and Wellness Center (SHAW) to the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD), there were countless ways to receive support for my mental health needs. I did register with CSD as a freshman and was able to have my cat approved as an emotional support animal (ESA), which was a blessing and a huge comfort. However, I didn’t utilize all the academic accommodations available to me, such as extra exam time, assignment extensions, and participation modification.
Instead of seeing qualified therapists on campus, I stubbornly drove an hour home, often missing class, to address my mental health. I let my pride convince me that I didn’t need the extra help and that I could do it on my own if I pushed myself hard enough, but that thought process only hurt me. My attendance suffered, my grades slipped, and I made things harder than they needed to be. If I could do it over, I’d take full advantage of every resource possible provided by UConn. They are there for a reason.
4. not being more involved with campus life
For most of college, I let my depression and introverted nature keep me locked away in my dorm. Without a roommate and with my first year spent in lockdown, socializing never came easy, and I fell into a familiar pattern of isolation. Joining Her Campus was the best decision I could’ve made. It pushed me out of my shell, introduced me to amazing people, and gave me the confidence to put myself out there. In joining this organization, I was able to find others such as the amazing groups at the Puerto Rican and Latin American Cultural Center (PRLACC). Ultimately, they helped me find myself — I just wish I had done more and done it sooner. College is more than just your classes, it’s also the memories you make, and I let a lot of those experiences pass me by.
My recommendation is to do anything and everything when you can — just say yes. Your roommate asks you to go sledding down Horsebarn Hill? Say yes. Your dorm is having a Valentine’s Day card-making event in the lounge? Say yes! That random club you’re not even a member of is having a movie night? SAY YES! I promise you won’t regret it.
5. not studying abroad
My greatest and most aching regret is not taking a semester to study abroad. I wish I had taken the time to attend information meetings, meet with advisors, and actually commit to making it happen. Instead, I kept telling myself “I’ll do it next semester,” until I finally ran out of semesters. Traveling the world has always been a passion of mine, and now, as I see my peers posing under the Eiffel Tower or taking a history class in Venice, I can’t help but feel a pang of jealousy. A vacation could never compare to the experience of fully immersing myself in another culture through education and daily life with people my age. I fear I may never be presented with that opportunity again, and it’s a weight on my chest that I carry with me.
Don’t be mistaken, I truly enjoyed my time in college and have grown so much from it, but I can’t help but wonder how much better it could have been if I had just put myself out there more. The majority of my regrets aren’t about things I did, but about the things I didn’t do. I let fear, doubt, and hesitation hold me back from what could have been the most fulfilling experiences of my young adult life. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: don’t be afraid to take risks, try new things, and live your life. You don’t want to look back and wish you had.