Happiness in college depends on success in several areas. Of course, academic performance and satisfaction with the intellectual environment on campus was one important area. The learning that takes place in the classroom is weighted heavily in students' assessments of their college experiences. The learning that takes place informally can also be crucial, however. Most students invest a great deal of energy into their friendships, and are concerned about the quality of their social lives.
Emotional adjustment is important as well.
Emotionally well-adjusted students cope better with the stresses of living independently and experience less homesickness. Surely, each area of adjustment impacts the others. At the same time, each area may have a particular dynamic in relation to the college decision-making process. Students may feel pressured by parents to do well academically, but relatively free to decide how to approach their social lives. Because academics is an area where pressure is common and accomplishment is especially important, students' motivation toward their schoolwork can have an enormous effect on their college experiences.