Having access to professors, multiple subject areas, libraries, laboratories, computing environments, field-excursion opportunities, alumni networks, university partnerships, visiting vaculty, lecture programmes (both inside and outside ordinary course materials), and opportunities to meet and know students from a wide range of backgrounds, interests, inclinations, personal histories, and political inclinations, are all part of my own college experience.

There was also introduction to specific skills, some of which proved useful, and subject areas. Numerous of my courses outside my major areas of study or even areas of general interest have proved highly durable and relevant, in ways I could never have guessed. The opportunity to develop my own skills in research and areas of interest as well.

And, I realise several decades later, numerous missed opportunities.

Along with some socialising.

I'm not of the view that uni is for everyone, or that its benefits (or financing) are fairly sold. But it most definitely can and does have considerable value.