Understanding Today's University Students: Priorities and Choices

Photo taken from Taylor's Memes

I used to think that today's young people would engage in some crazy or unforgettable experiences during their University years. However, after completing this survey, I have come to understand that today's University students prefer going on trips with friends rather than focusing on romantic relationships or academics.

During my previous studies in Taiwan (2014 - 2018), my classmates often said, "University is four years of freedom!" (In Taiwan, a degree's program typically takes four years). During that time, I stayed overnight on the University campus to complete tasks or rode a bike with friends for more than 30 kilometers to Taipei 101 on weekends, had a late-night snack, and returned to the dormitory at 6 in the morning.

The phrase "University is four years of freedom" has always had an impact on me. So when I returned to Taylors University last year, I noticed that the students seemed to lack some of the vitality and enthusiasm that young people should have. This prompted me to conduct a survey to understand what today's "young people'' are really thinking, which led to the creation of this article.

When I proposed this topic to my advisor, I felt a bit nervous. Even though I am still an undergraduate student, having worked outside for three years and now being 28 years old, I am not very familiar with the interests and hobbies of today's University students.

Photo taken from newtaipei.travel

In the end, I included eight options in this "University Student Must-Do List," which are "Focus on studies," "Establish romantic relationships," "Find part-time work," "Stay on campus overnight to complete assignments," "Travel with classmates," "Move out from home and live with friends," and "Other selections."

The 100 survey participants were all enrolled students at Taylor's University. During the data collection process, I noticed that students who spent time with friends were more inclined to choose "Travel with classmates." On the other hand, those who preferred to be independent often chose "Focus on studies" or "Establish romantic relationships." Among the students who chose "Focus on studies," the majority were from China.

Interestingly, they would tease one of their friends into choosing "Establish romantic relationships." I didn't need them to say it; I knew which one of them had been single for a long time.

Here are the final survey results:

Three students who chose different options explained their thoughts to me.

Angela Ng En Xi, currently in her first year of Biotechnology, candidly admitted that she is introverted. She chose "Travel with classmates" because she wants to socialize and make more friends through this experience. She also hopes the university will organize more student group activities. When I curiously asked her if she, being introverted, truly wants to interact with others, Angela said she is open to it.

"I don't really like traveling alone; I think it's more enjoyable with friends. Even if my high school friends want to travel with me at the same time as my University friends, I'm willing," Angela said.

Chew Sin Sin, also in her first year of Biotechnology, said she wants to learn to be independent. Her wish is to move away from her family during her University years and live in a shared apartment with friends. She also mentioned that living as close to the school as possible would be preferable. When asked if she would rather live with University friends or high school friends if distance were not a factor, Chew hesitated in front of her University friends, then gave an awkward smile. At that moment, I think I knew the answer.

"I want to move out as soon as possible and live in the same place with my friends. After all, I plan to pursue a master's degree abroad in the future, so it's better to learn independent living early," Chew said.

Photo taken from TripSavvy

Jin Ke Hui, from China, currently in her first year of Mass Communication, said she only wants to excel in her studies at the moment. However, she is facing some challenges, mainly due to her less fluent English. She admitted that both teachers and classmates are very kind to her, which makes her feel very comfortable.

"At first, I planned to study in Australia, but my parents thought Malaysia had more Chinese people and was friendlier, so I came to Malaysia. But the people around me are all very nice, and I have adapted to life here; I don't feel homesick anymore," Jin said with a smile.

When these University students selected the options that represented their desires, their eyes lit up, and at that moment, I felt that perhaps they had found the University life they wanted and the goals they wished to achieve. After listening to the three students' stories, I became more convinced that today's young people have a clear understanding of what they want at this stage, which is something I didn't possess during my own University years.

Regardless, as someone who has been there, I can only say, "University is a playground; enjoy it to the fullest! Don't let yourself regret anything!"