Lily Huynh/The Cougar

Traditionally, incoming college students are expected to finish college in four years. However, with changing education systems and new standards for student life, it might take a little bit longer.

Nowadays, students can take up to six years to complete a bachelor’s degree. 

Unrealistic expectations 

The expectations of college students are ever changing due to the non-negotiable of having multiple jobs, internships and more schoolwork every semester. 70% of college students work an average of 30 hours per week, according to studies.

With the additional clubs, extracurriculars and internships, there is hardly any room for social life, much less a mental break. Of course, juggling these all-too-real expectations is different for everyone, but it is common nonetheless.

So the feeling that time is pressing like a can crusher is widely known.

Life changes

No, a student is not falling behind if they take more than four years in college and no, that is not uncommon. Therefore, you’re not alone.

The new “successful graduation rate” set by colleges across the U.S. has been moved to six to eight years. Still, most universities pressure students to finish in four years. Yet, we all know that life happens and other factors can affect how long it takes to graduate. 

It could be a health scare, changing a major, putting family as a priority or simply needing a break. Whatever the reason may be, that should not cause a student to feel like a failure or unmotivated. 

The idea that a student has to complete their degree in a certain amount of time can be damaging to a student’s mental health, especially if their circumstances don’t align with the expectations of a college degree. School can be done in multiple different ways, from taking one class every semester to 12 hours in a semester. Of course, this is a conversation that needs to be had with an academic advisor to find a solution that best aligns with your needs. 

Give yourself grace

With every overwhelming aspect, it is not a crime for students to give themselves grace. Mental health is a very important factor in the success of every student’s college journey. So, giving the mind a break is necessary.

Whether this means cutting back on a class and graduating in five years instead of four, it will not shatter anyone’s academic success. This also leaves room for students to focus on academic material in class instead of rushing through all the assignments.

School is meant for learning and growing, so this extra time can give opportunities to appreciate the content of different classes. Giving grace to a packed schedule will improve overall health, thus leading to better grades in school without the constant pressure. 

Adding another year will also allow students to have a life outside of school. Enjoying college life with friends and events will leave students with unforgettable memories.

A student is more than a college work machine, but a person, too. It is human to go out and have fun, even if that means adding another semester. 

opinion@thedailycougar.com

—
“Enjoy the college journey, there is no deadline to graduate” was originally posted on The Cougar

From the archives/The Cougar

For certain dreams to become reality, uprooting and moving over 600 miles is necessary. 

I come from a small town in the Texas Panhandle that had more farmers than schools in the area. Seeing cowboys riding their horses to the nearest Dairy Queen is not just a thing in the movies. The town itself seemed to be in its own bubble, and families who had been living there since the 1800s still flourished. With that, limited resources are available for finding connections when everyone already knows everyone. 

For my case, writing and the pursuit of valuable journalism became more than a dream. It had to become my reality. As much as the panhandle is my home and where my heart will stay, I could feel my feet getting stuck. If I wanted to gain the experience I needed, I had to leave. 

As one of the most diverse cities in the U.S. and home to several leading news stations, Houston was the obvious next step for me. This boom town is a hub for workaholics and dreamers, so the possibilities were endless for what lay in my path. 

UH drew me in because of their strong academics and the wide range of opportunities. I hadn’t even taken a tour yet—much less accepted—when I committed myself to the university. I knew that my future lay there and never doubted that gut feeling. 

From the moment I stepped onto campus, I could tell students were very driven, beyond the level I was used to. Each held their own reasons for being successful. Whether the end goal was creative freedom or being rich, students had inspiration that kept them fueled. To this day, I can feel it on game days, walking into class and especially in The Cougar newsroom.

In the past year, I have learned lessons that have made me a better journalist than I could have ever learned 600 miles away. The University and the city are to thank for that. These social hubs are filled with connections and stories that are unfathomable to others. You could be an electrical engineer major, and your greatest connection is the person sitting next to you on the bus. All it takes is a little conversation, and your path is completely altered. 

This aspect is very close to my heart because what makes UH remarkable are the individuals who accompany it. With every new corner on campus comes a new life story and lesson we can all listen to. Coming from a smaller town, I can now truly understand how our greatest asset is the people we meet.

Without the people I work with in the newsroom, I would never have had important experiences for my career. Without UH, I would not be here writing this. 

That gut feeling or intuition that UH held my future was not wrong. Applying to this school was one of the best decisions I have made in my 20 years of life. I have met inspiring people and had experiences that my 17-year-old self would never have believed. 

Anna Monroe can be reached at opinion@thedailycougar.com

—
“I moved over 600 miles for UH. I love it here.” was originally posted on The Cougar

From the archives/The Cougar

For certain dreams to become reality, uprooting and moving over 600 miles is necessary. 

I come from a small town in the Texas Panhandle that had more farmers than schools in the area. Seeing cowboys riding their horses to the nearest Dairy Queen is not just a thing in the movies. The town itself seemed to be in its own bubble, and families who had been living there since the 1800s still flourished. With that, limited resources are available for finding connections when everyone already knows everyone. 

For my case, writing and the pursuit of valuable journalism became more than a dream. It had to become my reality. As much as the panhandle is my home and where my heart will stay, I could feel my feet getting stuck. If I wanted to gain the experience I needed, I had to leave. 

As one of the most diverse cities in the U.S. and home to several leading news stations, Houston was the obvious next step for me. This boom town is a hub for workaholics and dreamers, so the possibilities were endless for what lay in my path. 

UH drew me in because of their strong academics and the wide range of opportunities. I hadn’t even taken a tour yet—much less accepted—when I committed myself to the university. I knew that my future lay there and never doubted that gut feeling. 

From the moment I stepped onto campus, I could tell students were very driven, beyond the level I was used to. Each held their own reasons for being successful. Whether the end goal was creative freedom or being rich, students had inspiration that kept them fueled. To this day, I can feel it on game days, walking into class and especially in The Cougar newsroom.

In the past year, I have learned lessons that have made me a better journalist than I could have ever learned 600 miles away. The University and the city are to thank for that. These social hubs are filled with connections and stories that are unfathomable to others. You could be an electrical engineer major, and your greatest connection is the person sitting next to you on the bus. All it takes is a little conversation, and your path is completely altered. 

This aspect is very close to my heart because what makes UH remarkable are the individuals who accompany it. With every new corner on campus comes a new life story and lesson we can all listen to. Coming from a smaller town, I can now truly understand how our greatest asset is the people we meet.

Without the people I work with in the newsroom, I would never have had important experiences for my career. Without UH, I would not be here writing this. 

That gut feeling or intuition that UH held my future was not wrong. Applying to this school was one of the best decisions I have made in my 20 years of life. I have met inspiring people and had experiences that my 17-year-old self would never have believed. 

Anna Monroe can be reached at opinion@thedailycougar.com

—
“I moved over 600 miles for UH. I love it here.” was originally posted on The Cougar

From the archives/The Cougar

For certain dreams to become reality, uprooting and moving over 600 miles is necessary. 

I come from a small town in the Texas Panhandle that had more farmers than schools in the area. Seeing cowboys riding their horses to the nearest Dairy Queen is not just a thing in the movies. The town itself seemed to be in its own bubble, and families who had been living there since the 1800s still flourished. With that, limited resources are available for finding connections when everyone already knows everyone. 

For my case, writing and the pursuit of valuable journalism became more than a dream. It had to become my reality. As much as the panhandle is my home and where my heart will stay, I could feel my feet getting stuck. If I wanted to gain the experience I needed, I had to leave. 

As one of the most diverse cities in the U.S. and home to several leading news stations, Houston was the obvious next step for me. This boom town is a hub for workaholics and dreamers, so the possibilities were endless for what lay in my path. 

UH drew me in because of their strong academics and the wide range of opportunities. I hadn’t even taken a tour yet—much less accepted—when I committed myself to the university. I knew that my future lay there and never doubted that gut feeling. 

From the moment I stepped onto campus, I could tell students were very driven, beyond the level I was used to. Each held their own reasons for being successful. Whether the end goal was creative freedom or being rich, students had inspiration that kept them fueled. To this day, I can feel it on game days, walking into class and especially in The Cougar newsroom.

In the past year, I have learned lessons that have made me a better journalist than I could have ever learned 600 miles away. The University and the city are to thank for that. These social hubs are filled with connections and stories that are unfathomable to others. You could be an electrical engineer major, and your greatest connection is the person sitting next to you on the bus. All it takes is a little conversation, and your path is completely altered. 

This aspect is very close to my heart because what makes UH remarkable are the individuals who accompany it. With every new corner on campus comes a new life story and lesson we can all listen to. Coming from a smaller town, I can now truly understand how our greatest asset is the people we meet.

Without the people I work with in the newsroom, I would never have had important experiences for my career. Without UH, I would not be here writing this. 

That gut feeling or intuition that UH held my future was not wrong. Applying to this school was one of the best decisions I have made in my 20 years of life. I have met inspiring people and had experiences that my 17-year-old self would never have believed. 

Anna Monroe can be reached at opinion@thedailycougar.com

—
“I moved over 600 miles for UH. I love it here.” was originally posted on The Cougar

From the archives/The Cougar

For certain dreams to become reality, uprooting and moving over 600 miles is necessary. 

I come from a small town in the Texas Panhandle that had more farmers than schools in the area. Seeing cowboys riding their horses to the nearest Dairy Queen is not just a thing in the movies. The town itself seemed to be in its own bubble, and families who had been living there since the 1800s still flourished. With that, limited resources are available for finding connections when everyone already knows everyone. 

For my case, writing and the pursuit of valuable journalism became more than a dream. It had to become my reality. As much as the panhandle is my home and where my heart will stay, I could feel my feet getting stuck. If I wanted to gain the experience I needed, I had to leave. 

As one of the most diverse cities in the U.S. and home to several leading news stations, Houston was the obvious next step for me. This boom town is a hub for workaholics and dreamers, so the possibilities were endless for what lay in my path. 

UH drew me in because of their strong academics and the wide range of opportunities. I hadn’t even taken a tour yet—much less accepted—when I committed myself to the university. I knew that my future lay there and never doubted that gut feeling. 

From the moment I stepped onto campus, I could tell students were very driven, beyond the level I was used to. Each held their own reasons for being successful. Whether the end goal was creative freedom or being rich, students had inspiration that kept them fueled. To this day, I can feel it on game days, walking into class and especially in The Cougar newsroom.

In the past year, I have learned lessons that have made me a better journalist than I could have ever learned 600 miles away. The University and the city are to thank for that. These social hubs are filled with connections and stories that are unfathomable to others. You could be an electrical engineer major, and your greatest connection is the person sitting next to you on the bus. All it takes is a little conversation, and your path is completely altered. 

This aspect is very close to my heart because what makes UH remarkable are the individuals who accompany it. With every new corner on campus comes a new life story and lesson we can all listen to. Coming from a smaller town, I can now truly understand how our greatest asset is the people we meet.

Without the people I work with in the newsroom, I would never have had important experiences for my career. Without UH, I would not be here writing this. 

That gut feeling or intuition that UH held my future was not wrong. Applying to this school was one of the best decisions I have made in my 20 years of life. I have met inspiring people and had experiences that my 17-year-old self would never have believed. 

Anna Monroe can be reached at opinion@thedailycougar.com

—
“I moved over 600 miles for UH. I love it here.” was originally posted on The Cougar

From the archives/The Cougar

For certain dreams to become reality, uprooting and moving over 600 miles is necessary. 

I come from a small town in the Texas Panhandle that had more farmers than schools in the area. Seeing cowboys riding their horses to the nearest Dairy Queen is not just a thing in the movies. The town itself seemed to be in its own bubble, and families who had been living there since the 1800s still flourished. With that, limited resources are available for finding connections when everyone already knows everyone. 

For my case, writing and the pursuit of valuable journalism became more than a dream. It had to become my reality. As much as the panhandle is my home and where my heart will stay, I could feel my feet getting stuck. If I wanted to gain the experience I needed, I had to leave. 

As one of the most diverse cities in the U.S. and home to several leading news stations, Houston was the obvious next step for me. This boom town is a hub for workaholics and dreamers, so the possibilities were endless for what lay in my path. 

UH drew me in because of their strong academics and the wide range of opportunities. I hadn’t even taken a tour yet—much less accepted—when I committed myself to the university. I knew that my future lay there and never doubted that gut feeling. 

From the moment I stepped onto campus, I could tell students were very driven, beyond the level I was used to. Each held their own reasons for being successful. Whether the end goal was creative freedom or being rich, students had inspiration that kept them fueled. To this day, I can feel it on game days, walking into class and especially in The Cougar newsroom.

In the past year, I have learned lessons that have made me a better journalist than I could have ever learned 600 miles away. The University and the city are to thank for that. These social hubs are filled with connections and stories that are unfathomable to others. You could be an electrical engineer major, and your greatest connection is the person sitting next to you on the bus. All it takes is a little conversation, and your path is completely altered. 

This aspect is very close to my heart because what makes UH remarkable are the individuals who accompany it. With every new corner on campus comes a new life story and lesson we can all listen to. Coming from a smaller town, I can now truly understand how our greatest asset is the people we meet.

Without the people I work with in the newsroom, I would never have had important experiences for my career. Without UH, I would not be here writing this. 

That gut feeling or intuition that UH held my future was not wrong. Applying to this school was one of the best decisions I have made in my 20 years of life. I have met inspiring people and had experiences that my 17-year-old self would never have believed. 

Anna Monroe can be reached at opinion@thedailycougar.com

—
“I moved over 600 miles for UH. I love it here.” was originally posted on The Cougar

From the archives/The Cougar

For certain dreams to become reality, uprooting and moving over 600 miles is necessary. 

I come from a small town in the Texas Panhandle that had more farmers than schools in the area. Seeing cowboys riding their horses to the nearest Dairy Queen is not just a thing in the movies. The town itself seemed to be in its own bubble, and families who had been living there since the 1800s still flourished. With that, limited resources are available for finding connections when everyone already knows everyone. 

For my case, writing and the pursuit of valuable journalism became more than a dream. It had to become my reality. As much as the panhandle is my home and where my heart will stay, I could feel my feet getting stuck. If I wanted to gain the experience I needed, I had to leave. 

As one of the most diverse cities in the U.S. and home to several leading news stations, Houston was the obvious next step for me. This boom town is a hub for workaholics and dreamers, so the possibilities were endless for what lay in my path. 

UH drew me in because of their strong academics and the wide range of opportunities. I hadn’t even taken a tour yet—much less accepted—when I committed myself to the university. I knew that my future lay there and never doubted that gut feeling. 

From the moment I stepped onto campus, I could tell students were very driven, beyond the level I was used to. Each held their own reasons for being successful. Whether the end goal was creative freedom or being rich, students had inspiration that kept them fueled. To this day, I can feel it on game days, walking into class and especially in The Cougar newsroom.

In the past year, I have learned lessons that have made me a better journalist than I could have ever learned 600 miles away. The University and the city are to thank for that. These social hubs are filled with connections and stories that are unfathomable to others. You could be an electrical engineer major, and your greatest connection is the person sitting next to you on the bus. All it takes is a little conversation, and your path is completely altered. 

This aspect is very close to my heart because what makes UH remarkable are the individuals who accompany it. With every new corner on campus comes a new life story and lesson we can all listen to. Coming from a smaller town, I can now truly understand how our greatest asset is the people we meet.

Without the people I work with in the newsroom, I would never have had important experiences for my career. Without UH, I would not be here writing this. 

That gut feeling or intuition that UH held my future was not wrong. Applying to this school was one of the best decisions I have made in my 20 years of life. I have met inspiring people and had experiences that my 17-year-old self would never have believed. 

Anna Monroe can be reached at opinion@thedailycougar.com

—
“I moved over 600 miles for UH. I love it here.” was originally posted on The Cougar

Lily Huynh/The Cougar

The idea of college is always thrown at students like a final boss they have to conquer, hyping up the experience to be big and bad. When in reality, it is less intimidating than people think. 

Compared to the high school experience, finding friends is a lot easier in college. Communities at UH are much more diverse and welcoming. The endless number of GroupMe’s, clubs or and Instagram pages are filled with people excited to start their new life. For freshmen, checking out the @uh2029class on Instagram can be a good start to see who your future best friend can be. 

Everyone is navigating some separation from home, whether that be a 40-minute commute or years spent abroad as international students. This search for a safe place is common among most college students. In turn, you find that safe place through the people you meet. From organizations like The Cougar or gathering places like the M.D. Anderson Library, there will be a place you can call home. 

The idea that classes will leave you drained and make it impossible to pass is only slightly true. Classes can be hard, but not unachievable. Freshmen are not going to be left in a helpless position. There are a handful of tutoring facilities such as LAUNCH, Knack tutoring, CASA and the Writing Center.  So, take full advantage of them because they are there to help you.  

Additionally, there are resources that aren’t provided by the University. Students will have to go out for themselves for things such as creating study groups and building relationships with the people in their major. Getting help from fellow classmates will make all the difference in the world. One of the best resources are the people you meet, as we all bring different experiences and skills we can all learn from. 

We are all confused here, so finding other people to help work out problems will make your life so much smoother. 

If you have ever felt lost or left behind compared to your classmates, congratulations! You are one step closer to becoming a full-fledged college student. With our course schedule taking over our lives sometimes, things can feel suffocating and overwhelming. College students are stuck with being treated like children with adult responsibilities, so even our expectations are confusing. This place is between a rock and a hard place, and all too familiar position. 

We are diving headfirst into one of the most transformative stages of our lives. No tour or pamphlet can prepare us for the endless unknown possibilities. Being lost still means you’re going somewhere. 

This new chapter can be very intimidating, but this is not an adventure you should be scared of. People like to twist the idea of college into something dreadful, but it’s all up to how you decide the narrative. Take hold of your future with a tight grip because you are going nowhere but up!  

Anna Monroe is a junior journalism major who can be reached at opinion@thedailycougar.com 

—
“College is scary? Not really.” was originally posted on The Cougar

Lily Huynh/The Cougar

The idea of college is always thrown at students like a final boss they have to conquer, hyping up the experience to be big and bad. When in reality, it is less intimidating than people think. 

Compared to the high school experience, finding friends is a lot easier in college. Communities at UH are much more diverse and welcoming. The endless number of GroupMe’s, clubs or and Instagram pages are filled with people excited to start their new life. For freshmen, checking out the @uh2029class on Instagram can be a good start to see who your future best friend can be. 

Everyone is navigating some separation from home, whether that be a 40-minute commute or years spent abroad as international students. This search for a safe place is common among most college students. In turn, you find that safe place through the people you meet. From organizations like The Cougar or gathering places like the M.D. Anderson Library, there will be a place you can call home. 

The idea that classes will leave you drained and make it impossible to pass is only slightly true. Classes can be hard, but not unachievable. Freshmen are not going to be left in a helpless position. There are a handful of tutoring facilities such as LAUNCH, Knack tutoring, CASA and the Writing Center.  So, take full advantage of them because they are there to help you.  

Additionally, there are resources that aren’t provided by the University. Students will have to go out for themselves for things such as creating study groups and building relationships with the people in their major. Getting help from fellow classmates will make all the difference in the world. One of the best resources are the people you meet, as we all bring different experiences and skills we can all learn from. 

We are all confused here, so finding other people to help work out problems will make your life so much smoother. 

If you have ever felt lost or left behind compared to your classmates, congratulations! You are one step closer to becoming a full-fledged college student. With our course schedule taking over our lives sometimes, things can feel suffocating and overwhelming. College students are stuck with being treated like children with adult responsibilities, so even our expectations are confusing. This place is between a rock and a hard place, and all too familiar position. 

We are diving headfirst into one of the most transformative stages of our lives. No tour or pamphlet can prepare us for the endless unknown possibilities. Being lost still means you’re going somewhere. 

This new chapter can be very intimidating, but this is not an adventure you should be scared of. People like to twist the idea of college into something dreadful, but it’s all up to how you decide the narrative. Take hold of your future with a tight grip because you are going nowhere but up!  

Anna Monroe is a junior journalism major who can be reached at opinion@thedailycougar.com 

—
“College is scary? Not really.” was originally posted on The Cougar

Lily Huynh/The Cougar

The idea of college is always thrown at students like a final boss they have to conquer, hyping up the experience to be big and bad. When in reality, it is less intimidating than people think. 

Compared to the high school experience, finding friends is a lot easier in college. Communities at UH are much more diverse and welcoming. The endless number of GroupMe’s, clubs or and Instagram pages are filled with people excited to start their new life. For freshmen, checking out the @uh2029class on Instagram can be a good start to see who your future best friend can be. 

Everyone is navigating some separation from home, whether that be a 40-minute commute or years spent abroad as international students. This search for a safe place is common among most college students. In turn, you find that safe place through the people you meet. From organizations like The Cougar or gathering places like the M.D. Anderson Library, there will be a place you can call home. 

The idea that classes will leave you drained and make it impossible to pass is only slightly true. Classes can be hard, but not unachievable. Freshmen are not going to be left in a helpless position. There are a handful of tutoring facilities such as LAUNCH, Knack tutoring, CASA and the Writing Center.  So, take full advantage of them because they are there to help you.  

Additionally, there are resources that aren’t provided by the University. Students will have to go out for themselves for things such as creating study groups and building relationships with the people in their major. Getting help from fellow classmates will make all the difference in the world. One of the best resources are the people you meet, as we all bring different experiences and skills we can all learn from. 

We are all confused here, so finding other people to help work out problems will make your life so much smoother. 

If you have ever felt lost or left behind compared to your classmates, congratulations! You are one step closer to becoming a full-fledged college student. With our course schedule taking over our lives sometimes, things can feel suffocating and overwhelming. College students are stuck with being treated like children with adult responsibilities, so even our expectations are confusing. This place is between a rock and a hard place, and all too familiar position. 

We are diving headfirst into one of the most transformative stages of our lives. No tour or pamphlet can prepare us for the endless unknown possibilities. Being lost still means you’re going somewhere. 

This new chapter can be very intimidating, but this is not an adventure you should be scared of. People like to twist the idea of college into something dreadful, but it’s all up to how you decide the narrative. Take hold of your future with a tight grip because you are going nowhere but up!  

Anna Monroe is a junior journalism major who can be reached at opinion@thedailycougar.com 

—
“College is scary? Not really.” was originally posted on The Cougar