Debunking 7 Myths About College Life: What Students Should Really Expect
College myths can set unrealistic expectations, but real experiences often differ.
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Growing up, you probably heard that college life is full of rainbows where you get to spend less time studying and doing what you want. Or perhaps, the opposite. While both can be true, the reality often falls somewhere in between—and it's not always what you see in books, TV shows, or movies.
In some ways, these ideas are a great way to desensitize yourself against challenging professors or demanding schedules, but these "unrealistic" expectations could affect your college life. Based on real-life experiences and expert commentaries, here are college myths debunked.
Myth 1: College Is All About Freedom and No Rules
Compared to high school, you're more free in college, since you're likely to live away from your parents. But to say that there are no rules in universities is a myth. The reality is you get freedom once you've done your responsibilities, or if you've met deadlines. At the end of the day, there are still policies and expectations set by individual professors.
Myth 2: Professors Will Remind You About Assignments
Unlike high school teachers, college professors do not subscribe to spoon-feeding in college. At the beginning of each course, some professors only post the syllabi, assignment deadlines, and exam schedules. From there, it is up to you to ace their tests, follow their rules and complete their activities.
Myth 3: You'll Instantly Find Your Best Friends for Life
There's a saying that you're likely to be friends for life with your college friends. But finding them is not easy and building meaningful relationships takes time, per Chapman Newsroom. You can't expect a one-day campus experience to give you friends because friendships in college develop through shared experiences. As a freshman in your adjusting period, it's normal to feel lonely at first.
Myth 4: You Need to Have Your Life All Planned Out by Graduation
You think you know what you want at 18 years old, but as time goes by, experiences filing up will lead us to different paths. Good University Guides say college is a journey of self-discovery, making it highly okay to change majors and explore different interests whenever you feel unsure about your career path. Many graduates find their calling later in life even, so don't be afraid if you feel like the time will be too late. Sometimes, it's better to take the long path so you can grow instead of rushing on a dead-end street.
Myth 5: College Parties Are the Center of Social Life
Unless you're in fraternities or sororities, parties are present, however, that is only within college campus. You're never going to think about partying hard outside of the classroom not because they're expensive, but also because you have several responsibilities and deadlines waiting at your desk. What you can do to maximize your social life in college is to join clubs and organizations, cultural events, study groups, and such.
Myth 6: All-Nighters Are Inevitable
You probably saw college students depicted as the ones with heavy bags under their eyes due to pulling an all-nighter. But this is not the daily life of a college student, especially if they dislike poor time management. You will surely lead yourself to this if you always cram deadlines. But a balanced schedule will ensure that you get to have a good night's sleep every day.
Myth 7: Everyone Graduates in Four Years
Some colleges offer courses more than 4 years, while some college students don't go by the 4-year time frame because in some cases, they have to take extra semesters as they're going through something or prioritizing something they have no choice over, like work. No need to feel left out if this happens, remember that it's more important to focus on quality education than rushing through it.
Among all myths about college life, one thing is true; it's an important phase of life. It does not define the rest of your life, but it will develop the character that you will be using in your career and personal life.
Plus, college life is a mix of highs and lows, and these myths may be true for some. As long as you see realistic expectations, you get to experience a unique college experience that will shape your life for the better.
