What Do I Invest in While I’m in College?

Introduction

It doesn’t matter if you’re just starting off or if you’re a few years into college—if you’re anything like me, at some point, you’ve wanted to figure out how to get ahead financially, especially in 2025. You’re wondering what’s better: stocks, crypto, or NFTs? There are thousands of right answers and ways to go about it, but I’m not here to tell you about the latest can’t-miss forex opportunity or easy day trading hacks. We’re going to start simple and old-fashioned: houses.

What’s the Best Asset to Invest In?

Real estate is hands down the best investment decision you can make as a college student.

Why Real Estate?

I define “best” as a combination of ease, reliability, and return. There are investments that can outperform real estate in one or two of these categories, but not in all three.

1. Ease
   • Real estate investing is intuitive. We all understand what a house is on a small scale, which makes it easier to grasp market dynamics on a larger scale.
   • Unlike complex investment strategies that require extensive research and constant monitoring, real estate offers a straightforward entry point.
2. Reliability
   • While buying and owning a home is not always predictable, real estate as an investment is generally more stable than speculative assets like crypto or forex.
   • Market shifts can make home ownership stressful, but this guide focuses on investing in real estate, not just homeownership.
3. Return
   • Real estate, specifically Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), has consistently outperformed the S&P 500 over time, making it both reliable and profitable.
   • REITs allow you to invest in real estate without needing a down payment, maintenance costs, or the responsibilities of being a landlord.

The Benefits of Owning Real Estate

• Control over a large asset: Unlike stocks, where you have little say in the company’s operations, owning property gives you a tangible, controllable investment.
• A place to live: If you invest in physical real estate, you can reduce or eliminate housing expenses while building equity.
• A source of income: Rental properties or REIT dividends provide passive income, something that few other investments offer at a comparable scale.

Conclusion

If you’re in college and looking for an investment that balances ease, reliability, and strong returns, real estate is the clear winner. Whether through REITs or direct property ownership, investing in real estate sets you up for financial stability, passive income, and long-term wealth accumulation.