There’s a version of college life we all imagine friends, events, laughter, late-night memories.
And then, there’s the version some of us quietly live.
As a dental student, I genuinely enjoy studying. Learning new things, building skills it gives me a sense of purpose.
When I first joined BDS, I told myself I would balance everything: academics and experiences.
But slowly, that balance started to shift.
My days didn’t just end after college. They continued with long journeys—two buses, crowded routes, and the constant race against time. By the time I reached home, energy wasn’t something I had left—it was something I had already spent.
College events?
They usually began when I needed to leave.
Opportunities to stay back, connect, and be part of something beyond academics slowly turned into things I watched from a distance.
Without realizing it, my life became a quiet routine: Travel. Study. Sleep. Repeat.
And somewhere between all of this, a question stayed with me:
• Am I being disciplined or am I missing out?
• Are these sacrifices temporary or do they shape what I lose forever?
Not every “no” is a choice.
Sometimes, it’s a situation.
Not every student gets the same opportunities to experience college life in the same way. While some moments are missed, the effort and discipline built during this time also shape personal and professional growth.
In the end, it’s not about having a perfect balance it’s about making the most of your situation and moving forward with what you have.
Have you ever missed a college event and later felt you should have attended?
Very well written. I have always taken part in college events, as my parents have always told me to enjoy these moments, they’ll never come back. And this same advice I would give to all my juniors
True balance is more of a feeling than a perfect schedule. Missing one college event doesn’t actually matter in the long run if you swap it for something else that brings you peace of mind. If attending events was the only way to enjoy yourself, we wouldn’t have so many different categories for fun and relaxation. When you’ve had a rough day, sitting down with a coffee and your favorite show for thirty minutes can be exactly the magic you need to reset.
Well articulated ! I was a quiet introvert those times, but I didn’t miss experiencing college life because I knew we all would fall apart one day; it would not come again.
College life is not same for everyone, and sometimes it’s not about balance but managing what we have. Missing out on moments does feel bad, but at the same time, those struggles and routine builds a kind of strength and discipline that stays with us.
Distance and time affect so much of our student life without realizing it. There was time when my college was so far from home and that was my life.
Travel.College.Home.study.sleep.
There was nothing else. When your on the bus for so long your mind wanders alot. I used to question everything in life. It wasn’t a great experience.
Fortunately I’m past that now and realized how much valuable being present in the moment is, I try to attend, participate and just be there in every College event. Just to enjoy the moment. Sometimes it doesn’t matter how much it meant to you. It just matters that you’ve had a good time in that moment. Just making memories.
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