A University is an institution of higher education that offer programs beyond the high school level. Universities provide necessary training for individuals wishing to enter professional careers. They also strive to develop students? creativity, insight, and analytical skills. By acquainting students with complex ideas in an intellectually stimulating environment, colleges and universities can provide unique opportunities for personal enrichment while also preparing students for future careers.

Such diverse professions as engineering, teaching, law, medicine, and information science all require a college education. Most require training in graduate or professional school as well. Increasingly, even less specialized jobs require some postsecondary education. The development of new technologies and the globalization of the world economy have created high demand for workers with computer, communications, and other occupational skills that can be acquired at colleges or universities. For example, computers and other new technologies have eliminated many low-skilled jobs in a variety of fields, but these same technologies have created widespread job opportunities for those who have the proper training. In addition, employers increasingly seek out college graduates who have gained the critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary to adapt to changing economic conditions.

Students who live away from home during their college or university years typically experience a major turning point in their lives that has little to do with academics or professional training. For example, college offers many recent high school graduates their first opportunity to live on their own. Most first-year students welcome this increased independence, although many also find that living away from home, family, and friends can introduce unexpected challenges. Campus residence halls provide common settings for students to form new bonds with peers who share similar experiences. Other students form social networks by joining student organizations or by participating in extracurricular activities.