Home From College, Just Two Weeks In

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, September 13, 2026

This fall, some college freshmen, like Dai’yaHnna Fleming at Southern University, are opting to leave campus shortly after arrival and switch to online programs due to health, safety, and social concerns. This trend highlights growing challenges around mental health, rising costs, and shifting student expectations, prompting institutions to closely monitor retention amid changing attitudes toward traditional college experiences.

This fall, some college freshmen are choosing to leave campus shortly after arrival, sparking discussions about the challenges students face in adjusting to college life amid rising costs and mental health concerns.

One example is Dai’yaHnna Fleming, a 17-year-old freshman who moved from Las Vegas to Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, last month. After two weeks of classes, she decided to switch to the university’s online program, citing health issues, safety concerns, and discomfort with the social environment. Fleming described her experience on social media, emphasizing a preference for obtaining her degree over embracing traditional aspects of campus life.

Her decision reflects a broader trend observed on platforms like TikTok, where numerous students have documented their early departures or shifts to alternative schooling options. Many cite mental health struggles, anxiety, overwhelming class workloads, or a mismatch between expectations and reality as reasons for their choices. Financial considerations and an uncertain job market also play significant roles, prompting some to re-evaluate the value of in-person college attendance.

While early withdrawals are not a new phenomenon, social media has amplified visibility and sparked debate across generations. Millennials and Gen X commentators have urged younger students to persevere through initial challenges, suggesting that early discomfort is part of personal growth and the collegiate experience. For instance, Ebony Simpson, mother of a college sophomore, stressed the importance of engaging socially despite difficulties, a sentiment echoed by her daughter, who recalled similar struggles early in her own college career but noted eventual social integration and enjoyment.

According to data from the Education Data Initiative, the overall rate of students leaving college after their first year has slightly decreased. About 22.9 percent of freshmen who started college in fall 2024 did not return the following year, down from pandemic-related peaks near 24 percent. Nonetheless, institutional leaders continue to monitor the issue closely. Sarah Manville, assistant dean and adviser at Case Western Reserve University, acknowledged students’ resilience but expressed concern that some might be making premature decisions to leave due to fear or reluctance to seek support.

Experts highlight persistent challenges facing students, including rising tuition costs, increasing mental health awareness, and uncertainties about the future workforce amid technological change. Michael Williams, a college access professional in New York City, noted a decline in social-emotional readiness among recent cohorts compared to previous years, complicating their adjustment to college environments.

Financially, many institutions allow tuition or housing fee refunds if students withdraw within the first two weeks, reducing immediate penalties for early departure. Fleming reported not yet having paid certain fees, while other students shared experiences of receiving refunds after moving out early.

Back in Las Vegas, Fleming said she feels positive about her decision to prioritize her well-being and academic goals through online courses, with plans to pursue law school. While she has not ruled out returning to Southern University, she anticipates living off campus if she does so, reflecting a cautious approach shaped by her initial experience.

The ongoing conversation underscores evolving expectations and pressures on today’s college students, as they weigh traditional collegiate experiences against personal circumstances and broader societal changes.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.