Good Questions to Ask College Students
Connect with college students through thoughtful questions that reveal their experiences, challenges, and aspirations while building meaningful relationships across generations.
1What's the most surprising thing about college life?
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What's the most surprising thing about college life?
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Why this works
Opens up their unique perspective while revealing what aspects of college have been most unexpected or eye-opening for them.
2What's your favorite class this semester, and why?
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What's your favorite class this semester, and why?
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Why this works
Shows interest in their academic journey while revealing what subjects and teaching styles they find most engaging.
3How do you balance academics with your social life?
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How do you balance academics with your social life?
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Why this works
Demonstrates understanding of their challenges while revealing their strategies for managing time and priorities.
4What's the biggest challenge you've faced in college so far?
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What's the biggest challenge you've faced in college so far?
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Why this works
Shows empathy for their struggles while revealing what obstacles they've encountered and how they've handled them.
5What's your favorite way to study or learn?
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What's your favorite way to study or learn?
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Why this works
Reveals their learning style while showing what methods and approaches work best for their academic success.
6What's the most interesting thing you've learned recently?
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What's the most interesting thing you've learned recently?
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Why this works
Opens up their intellectual curiosity while revealing what topics and ideas they find most fascinating.
7How do you handle stress and pressure during exams?
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How do you handle stress and pressure during exams?
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Why this works
Shows concern for their well-being while revealing their coping strategies and stress management techniques.
8What's your dream job or career path?
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What's your dream job or career path?
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Why this works
Reveals their aspirations while showing what they're working toward and what motivates their academic choices.
9What's the best advice you've received about college?
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What's the best advice you've received about college?
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Why this works
Shows interest in their guidance while revealing what wisdom has been most valuable to their college experience.
10How do you make friends and build relationships in college?
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How do you make friends and build relationships in college?
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Why this works
Demonstrates interest in their social development while revealing their approach to building connections and community.
11What's something you wish you knew before starting college?
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What's something you wish you knew before starting college?
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Why this works
Reveals their hindsight while showing what information or preparation would have been most helpful for their transition.
12How do you stay motivated when classes get tough?
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How do you stay motivated when classes get tough?
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Why this works
Shows interest in their resilience while revealing their strategies for maintaining motivation during difficult times.
13What's your favorite thing about your college campus?
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What's your favorite thing about your college campus?
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Why this works
Opens up positive aspects while revealing what they value most about their college environment and community.
14How do you handle homesickness or being away from family?
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How do you handle homesickness or being away from family?
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Why this works
Shows empathy for their emotional challenges while revealing their strategies for maintaining connections and coping with distance.
15What's the most valuable skill you've developed in college?
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What's the most valuable skill you've developed in college?
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Why this works
Reveals their growth while showing what abilities and competencies they've gained through their college experience.
16How do you manage your finances as a college student?
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How do you manage your finances as a college student?
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Why this works
Shows interest in their practical challenges while revealing their approach to budgeting and financial responsibility.
17What's your approach to choosing classes and planning your schedule?
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What's your approach to choosing classes and planning your schedule?
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Why this works
Demonstrates interest in their academic planning while revealing their strategies for course selection and time management.
18How do you stay healthy and take care of yourself in college?
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How do you stay healthy and take care of yourself in college?
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Why this works
Shows concern for their well-being while revealing their approach to physical and mental health during college.
19What's something you're looking forward to in your remaining college years?
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What's something you're looking forward to in your remaining college years?
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Why this works
Reveals their future plans while showing what experiences and opportunities they're most excited about.
20How do you think college is preparing you for the real world?
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How do you think college is preparing you for the real world?
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Why this works
Shows interest in their perspective while revealing how they connect their academic experience to future career and life goals.
Connecting with College Students
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Show Genuine Interest
Ask questions that demonstrate you're interested in their unique experiences and perspectives. This creates connection and shows you value their insights.
Be Supportive and Encouraging
College can be challenging, so focus on being supportive and encouraging. Ask about their successes and offer encouragement for their struggles.
Respect Their Independence
Recognize that college students are developing their independence. Ask questions that show you respect their autonomy and decision-making.
Question Sequences
The Academic Explorer
The Life Balance Focus
Common Pitfalls
Don't Make Assumptions About Their Experience
Don't assume all college students have the same experience. Ask open-ended questions that allow them to share their unique perspective.
Avoid Being Overly Parental
Don't lecture or give unsolicited advice. Ask questions that show interest in their experience rather than trying to guide or direct them.
Don't Focus Only on Academics
College life is about more than just classes. Ask about their social life, personal growth, and overall experience.