University students are not forced to study, it was their own choice and their own (or their parents') money that allowed them to do it. They should know why they're doing it and shouldn't need persuasion or confirmation from their peers. I understand that might be the case with teenagers, because they feel like they're wasting time learning boring stuff, but not students.
I know from experience that you're learning the fastest if you're using something in practice and need the knowledge to make projects.