Ask HN: Are universities places of free-thinking and growth?

I’m not as interested in university for the courses, but more so for a social experience that would expose me to people studying a wide range of subjects with an eye to improve the way of the world.

Was it ever like this? Or am I being idealistic?

I feel like our culture as a whole is a little more strapped for cash, hence needing to work often, and therefore relaxing and thinking less. There seems to be more censorship, and the universities themselves are more corporate rather than truly offering nurturing environments for student growth and wellbeing.

Is the era of going to university for more than just a degree over?