It’s a debate as old as time, and every college student wants to know: From the doe-eyed freshmen to the weary, wise seniors, which year in school at NIU is the best?
Every year has its positives and negatives: some are boring, some are fun and some have a ridiculous amount of work.
Let’s hear from NIU students: which academic year is best?
FRESHMEN
First-year students are known as the “babies” of the educational world. Mostly coming straight from high school, first-years don’t have experience others have and are still getting used to college life.
Freshmen, additionally, have the first real taste of freedom. For some, it’s their first time being away from their parents for an extended period of time, which can be scary. As a result, up to 66% of college freshmen experience homesickness, according to a UCLA survey.
Freshman year is a sea of new opportunities where students are forced to meet people and try new things. Because everything in college is new to freshmen, navigating this new world of college can be exciting.
SOPHOMORES
Sophomores are a unique class: while they haven’t reached the maturity level of juniors and seniors, they are more prepared and comfortable with college life than freshmen.
Like upperclassmen, sophomores have the luxury of being able to live in Gilbert Hall, a residence hall unavailable to freshmen.
Sophomores are arguably the most laid back because, it being their second year, they are more used to the college experience. With confidence and time to spare, sophomores may be the most avid partygoers, which is a primary reason 27% of students attend college, according to Niznik Behavioral Health.
JUNIORS
For many college students, junior year is the most stressful, according to Evolve Counseling Services. It’s a time when students start to take their academics more seriously, if they didn’t already, and experience more challenging coursework, while starting to think about their future.
Graduation is just around the corner, and juniors are often beginning to apply for jobs, internships and more.
The best part of junior year is being an upperclassman. General education courses are out of the way, and the interesting and major-specific classes are ahead.
SENIORS
One of the best advantages of being a senior is graduation. Seniors will get their degree, move on, find careers and build a life for themselves.
Seniors also have the most experience and wisdom regarding college life. For most, senior year is a time of reflection and celebration after making it through the four or more long years of college.
The important friends and connections you made through this journey emphasize senior year is not just the end of something. It’s also the beginning of something new as you plan for your life out of college.
GRADUATE STUDENTS/LAW
Those who choose to continue their education and attend law or graduate school face unique challenges. It’s important to find scholarships and funding opportunities, and class responsibilities are greater. Law and graduate students also pay a lot more money for college: more years of school means more years of tuition.
On the brightside, NIU graduate students have the option to live on campus in special graduate student housing and still have access to a weekly meal plan. Graduate students reap the benefit of seeing higher career opportunities when applying to jobs, higher pay, personal growth and increased networking opportunities, according to Michigan Technological University,
For graduate students, being able to focus and advance their education in a field they love is something special.
Results of last week’s poll: What’s the best water bottle brand?
Stanley – 15%
Hydroflask – 14%
Yeti – 32%
Takeya – 6%
Other – 32%
