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Some Gen Z freshmen have already decided — just weeks into the fall semester — to abandon their college campuses, head back home and take classes online.
Others are quitting school entirely very early on.
In a recent “Outnumbered” segment, the Fox News co-hosts discussed the trend of young college students bailing out of campus life and returning home — saying the degree is what they’re after, not the “college experience.”
Online reactions to the controversial and trending decision are running the gamut.
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“To be fair, college is not for everyone,” one Facebook user commented.
Another blurted, “Time for the school of HARD KNOCKS!”
Students are shown walking on campus to and from classes at Virginia Tech Polytechnic Institute and State University College. Some young college students across the nation are bailing out early — and heading back home to mom and dad. (ablokhin/Getty Images)
A viral TikTok posted by a 17-year-old indicated that the student left campus at Southern University in Louisiana just two weeks into her first semester to go back home to Las Vegas, according to reports.
Some students today seem to be strangers with discomfort and struggle — as one user advised, “Y’all have to learn how to be uncomfortable.”
Another was more understanding, posting, “It’s OK to be uncomfortable, anxious and stressed during your first year of college.”
“Outnumbered” co-host Kaleigh McEnany said she remembered her own college days, when she would struggle to return to school after spending time at home.
More college freshmen today are leaving school early to live at home and take online classes, rather than stick it out on campus. (Getty Images)
“I would cry in the airport, and my mom was like, ‘You’ve gotta get on the plane, you’ve gotta go back …’ And it was tough, but I’m so glad she pushed me,” she said.
In her viral TikTok, the teenager shared a disclaimer in the caption of her video, noting that she didn’t drop out — she switched to the school’s online program instead.
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Various factors affect the decisions of students to leave campus and take classes at home — with some online posters on various forums weighing in with their own experiences and beliefs.
Writing on Reddit recently, one parent said a son in the family’s household “is quitting college quickly, and I feel like a loser.”
“Won’t even consider just sticking with it for a semester or two.”
The parent went on, “He was one of the top students in his high school class. Had anxiety, but worked through all issues eventually. I have anxiety issues as well, so I’ve always done my best to help him through it. Dished out so much money to get him a car, a laptop, paid for bus passes, etc., only to have him drop out after one week.”
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The person continued, “Won’t even consider just sticking with it for a semester or two. He even had a scholarship to cover his entire first year! I mean, I took 19 years to finish my bachelor’s degree, but I was always employed, so what can I really say?”
In response, another person on Reddit wrote, “What are his reasons? How much ability do you have to force him to stay? Is it a done deal already? I would absolutely try to get to the bottom of it and figure out how to work around whatever his concerns are.”
A scene from the University of Iowa campus. The on-campus college experience is not for every student — as many across the country are finding out. (Don and Melinda Crawford/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Another parent weighed in with this experience: “My daughter has a lot of social anxiety and just got through her second week of college. She is particularly anxious about public speaking. So much so she would miss days of high school almost any time it was required. I have been very nervous about her ability to adapt.”
Added the parent, “So far it is going well, but not without some struggle. One of her classes required discussion from everyone, each time.”
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Still another individual shared a very different perspective.
“I feel that college is a huge maturity checkpoint and most young adults aren’t ready for it right out of high school,” the person wrote.
“I am a big proponent of not pushing them toward it until they feel it’s something they want to do. That doesn’t mean there aren’t expectations — but maybe there is an option to choose to work full time, and pay some bills instead.”
“I would absolutely try to get to the bottom of it,” wrote a person on social media about a student’s college difficulties, “and figure out how to work around whatever his concerns are.” (Canart7/iStock)
Others chimed in on that same theme.
“There is NO reason he has to attend college right now. He can work and see whether he is able to earn enough to support himself that way. He may need a break from academics. There are many paths; don’t stress!”
Students and online commenters have pointed out that financial concerns, mental health struggles or the desire to simply focus on academics can make on-campus life more difficult for some young people.
“He may need a break from academics.”
The “Outnumbered” segment also noted that many members of Gen Z completed high school largely from home — taking online classes in their living room or kitchen, with parents not far away, during the COVID pandemic.
A recent Psychology Today piece on the topic noted that kids who leave college early — for whatever reason — need clear guidance once they get back home.
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“Set clear boundaries regarding work, household responsibilities, health and wellness, and daily routines,” a mental health counselor advised parents.