After finishing high school, starting college life, meeting new people, and moving to a new place present significant challenges that can be compounded by various issues. Students face a range of difficulties, including the necessity of living away from home. A new trend among Gen Z students is observed in the US that highlights this problem: some students leave dormitories and return home just a few weeks after starting classes. Others decide to continue their studies remotely, while a third group drops out of college entirely. This was reported in a New York Post article dated October 5, 2026.
Students Return Home Because They Dislike College
Upon entering college, students must adapt to a new environment, new people, and a new surroundings. However, for some Gen Z students, this transition proves difficult. Living away from home, constant interaction with new people, and the need to manage all affairs independently become challenging tasks for them.
Recently, hosts on the show 'Outnumbered' on Fox News discussed this trend, noting that some Gen Z students leave campus just two weeks after classes begin. They argued that these young people's goal is not to gain the college experience, but simply to obtain a degree.
According to the report, some students returned home just two weeks after the semester started. Among them are those who prefer to study online instead of completely stopping their college education. That is, they aim to complete their studies but do not consider on-campus presence mandatory for doing so.
Student Returned Home After Two Weeks
The report points out that thanks to a viral TikTok video, it became known about a 17-year-old student who left the University of Louisiana South campus just two weeks after the first semester began and returned home to Las Vegas. She stated on social media that she did not drop out of college entirely but opted for remote learning. A discussion began on social media following her decision.
Distance from Home and Stress as Reasons
In addition to academics, students must manage their daily lives independently. For some students, making new friends, living in a dormitory, and coping with homesickness can be difficult. The report, based on experiences shared by students and their parents online, mentions factors such as nostalgia for home, stress, socialization difficulties, and financial problems that may lead to such a decision. Furthermore, the reasons for leaving college are individual for each student.
Disagreements Regarding Gen Z Decisions
Some people believe that initial academic difficulties are common and that students should be given time to adjust to the new environment. Others maintain that the college experience is not uniform for everyone, and there are alternative ways to receive an education. The report also notes that during the pandemic, many Gen Z students studied at home online. Therefore, some believe that students accustomed to studying at home may find it difficult to adapt to college and dormitory life, although this does not apply to all students.
Parent's Opinion on Reddit
One parent shared their opinion on this topic on Reddit. He recounted how his son quickly dropped out of college, which made him feel like a failure. The user added that his child had been the top student in high school. He struggled with anxiety and stress but eventually learned to cope with these difficulties. The parent also noted that he himself suffers from anxiety, so he always tried to help him.
What Is Important After Returning Home?
Returning home after leaving college does not mean a student permanently gives up on their studies. Some may continue studying online, while others may need time to think about further education or career paths. In such cases, it is important for parents to talk to their children and try to understand the reasons behind their decisions. Additionally, establishing a proper daily routine that includes studying, working, and daily responsibilities after returning home can be beneficial.
College is not just about getting a diploma; it is also a time for making independent decisions and adapting to new situations. However, every student's experience is unique, so it is important to understand the reasons for their decisions rather than immediately labeling them as right or wrong.