What did you Learn in College? Apparently Nothing About Life

You go to college to get an education, right? To study for a degree that leads to a good job, good pay, etc. You make friends, possibly find a mate, start a family, you know, to help set you up for life. Good? Maybe, maybe not.

In a survey by Experian Boost, it was found that 81% of respondents said they wish they were taught more life skills in college. Say that again, more life skills?

True. The survey showed that, sure they got a good education and were ready to take on the future, job wise, but could they simply take care of themselves and survive on their own.

Here is what many wished they had really learned -- how to invest, how to budget, long-term financial planning, and how to manage their student loan debt.  Okay, I get that. But the survey also revealed there were the more basic life skills that grads wish they had learned. 17% of the college grads surveyed said they still don’t know how to cook or do their own laundry. 26% said they can’t do basic home maintenance -- like unclogging a toilet or resetting a Wi-Fi router. What about boiling water?

The website SWNS Digital reported some really interesting truths from recent college grads. Sure, just how to live, cook, wash, etc. shows up, but with all of the turmoil and stress over the last year from the pandemic, seven in 10 graduates said they’re feeling overwhelmed by their financial situation – with paying rent and their monthly bills topping the list. So, what have they done? 30% moved back in with mom and dad and 31% opted to move back to their hometown for cheaper rent during the pandemic.

To be fair, the top things graduates felt confident about included their degree (50%), their financial security (50%), and their career path (48%). And, sixty-four percent are feeling optimistic about their financial future and believe they’ll have financial security in just six years.

All is not lost, and the future is looking much brighter now. But, the question still bears asking, how do you cook mac and cheese!