A growing trend among some Gen Z college freshmen involves leaving campus just weeks into the new semester in order to move back home and either switch to online classes or drop out.
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Fox News reported on the trend of young college students bailing out of campus life and returning home — saying the degree is what they’re after, not the traditional campus lifestyle or social scene.
Students who are choosing to leave school are reporting feelings of homesickness, anxiousness, or isolation within the first two weeks of class.
According to the New York Times, many students feel financial pressure from high tuition costs and concerns about the job market, leading them to question the value of paying for room and board.
Students say another factor in their decision is that walking across large campuses or managing health issues can trigger quick decisions to return to a safe environment.
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.
In that TikTok video, the teenager shared a disclaimer, noting that she didn’t drop out but had switched to the school’s online program instead.
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Reactions have varied online with some taking a hard line against the decision to leave school while others defended the students’ choices.
One Reddit commenter advised a parent whose son had left school after just one week, saying, “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!”
During a recent “Outnumbered” segment on Fox News, panelists 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.
The trend has sparked a generational debate with parents and older adults often encouraging students to build resilience, join campus events, and push through the initial adjustment phase, according to the New York Times.
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.
A mental counselor advised that parents, “Set clear boundaries regarding work, household responsibilities, health and wellness, and daily routines.”
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