Let me just say Bagel And Deli….. This hole in the wall deli in Oxford, Ohio was amazing!
College life in the late 90s and early 2000s holds a special place in the hearts of those who experienced it. It was a unique era marked by significant cultural shifts, technological advancements, and a sense of freedom that seems nostalgically irreplaceable.
1. The Glory of the Mix CD:
Back then, making a mix CD for yourself or for someone was the ultimate gesture of friendship or romance. There was an art to picking just the right songs, and who didn’t love creating the perfect cover art with Sharpies? Plus, nothing says “I care” like waiting an hour for Napster to download a single track.
2. No Social Media Stress:
Imagine a world where you didn’t have to worry about the perfect Instagram filter. Instead, you’d have to awkwardly pass notes in class. And let’s not forget the thrill of discovering last night’s party photos only when your disposable camera got developed.
Privacy and Mental Health
Without the constant comparison to others’ highlight reels, students experienced less social anxiety and depression linked to social media use. They were able to live in the moment and enjoy their college years without the burden of maintaining an online persona. This contributed to better mental health and a more positive college experience.
3. The Golden Age of Independence and Self-Discovery
The late 90s and early 2000s were a time when college students enjoyed a balance of independence and guidance. This was an era before smartphones and social media took over, which meant students had the space to explore their identities, form deep personal connections, and engage in face-to-face interactions without the constant distraction of digital devices.
4. The Music and Pop Culture
The 90s and early 2000s were a golden era for music and pop culture. From grunge to pop-punk, and the rise of hip-hop, the diversity of music genres provided a rich soundtrack to college life. Iconic bands and artists like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Britney Spears, and Eminem dominated the airwaves, creating a sense of camaraderie and shared experience among students.
Concerts and Festivals
College students of this era had the privilege of attending some of the most memorable concerts and music festivals. From local Palmer Fest at a neighboring college, to The H.O.R.D.E Tour, The Warp Tour, Buzzard Fest, Lilith Fair, Jimmy Buffet, Dave Mathews Band, and I even saw Green Day and Blink 182. The atmosphere at these events was electric, with live music creating a sense of community and shared joy. The excitement of securing concert tickets, road-tripping with friends, and experiencing live performances was unparalleled.
Today’s students benefit from advanced technology, the simplicity of the late 90s and early 2000s had its own charm. This was a time of dial-up internet, floppy disks, and the early days of email (You’ve Got Mail). The lack of constant connectivity meant that students had to be more resourceful and proactive in their academic and social lives.
The internet was primarily used for academic research and communication through email or early messaging platforms like AOL Instant Messenger (AIM). This limited connectivity encouraged students to meet in person, fostering stronger bonds and more meaningful relationships. Study groups, coffee shop meet-ups, and dorm hangouts were integral parts of college life. AOL Instant Messenger was the heartbeat of communication. Crafting the perfect away message was an art form, and nothing beat the thrill of hearing that iconic door creak open, signaling a friend (or crush) had just logged on.
6. TV Shows You Had to Watch Live:
7. Fashion Free-for-All:
This was the era where low-rise jeans, cargo pants, Juicy Couture, Bebe, Abercrombie and Fitch, slip dresses, slip shirts, and butterfly clips reigned supreme. The best part? No one was documenting your fashion choices on social media.
8. Â Less Pressure from Social Media
The absence of social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok meant students faced less pressure to present a curated version of their lives. Instead, they focused on genuine interactions and forming authentic connections. This period allowed for a more organic development of friendships and romantic relationships.
9. The Original MP3 Players:
Before smartphones, there were chunky MP3 players and, of course, the original iPod. The joy of carrying around a device with a thousand songs was unparalleled, even if it took ages to load your music via a USB 1.0 connection.
10. Actual Face-to-Face Conversations:
Without the constant distraction of smartphones, people had no choice but to engage in real conversations. Going to get coffee. AHHH when I lived in LA the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf was life!
Bonus Reason: The Lack of Overwhelming Tech:
11. Simpler Tech = Less Stress:
The technology of the late 90s and early 2000s was straightforward. Your biggest tech challenge was figuring out how to set up your voicemail greeting, using a song for a ringtone, or dealing with your dial-up internet disconnecting when your roommate picked up the phone. This simpler tech life meant less stress and more genuine experiences.
College in the late 90s and early 2000s was a unique experience. It was a time of personal growth and meaningful connections, all set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing world. Today’s students have their own set of advantages and challenges, there’s something nostalgically perfect about the college experience of this era. The blend of independence, simplicity, and authentic social interactions created a formative period that many look back on with fondness and appreciation. The absence of today’s constant digital noise allowed for more authentic connections, spontaneous fun, and a whole lot of late night runs to Kroger’s, Bagel and Deli, and Mel’s Dinner ( In LA).
Nikki Lanigan is a yoga, HIIT, and Barre instructor, she is also a Holistic Health Coach through Institute of Integrative Nutrition. Nikki is trained in Yoga Shred, Yoga Psychology, meditation, chakra balancing, and EFT/Tapping.
She has done trainings with Sadie Nardini and Ashley Turner.
She got her 200 hour yoga teacher training in 2017 at the Carrie Treister School Of Yoga.
Nikki takes a holistic view of health, helping her students and clients reach a place of self-love not just through movement, but with mindset and lifestyle guidance as well.
Nikki is also show prep writer for The McVay Media Show Prep and host of the podcast Fit, Fun, and Frazzled.
Connect with Nikki on Instagram.
www.instagram.com/nikkilanigan.yogaandwellness
www.instagram.com/fitfunandfrazzledpodcast
