Anyone who has ever attended class on a college campus knows that sometimes college students can be pretty annoying. We’re all guilty. Most of the time we don’t even realize we’re doing it but believe me others notice. I’ve done all of these and I still find them all terrible.
So here are five annoying things that all college students do.
1. Refuse to move back on the bus
Campus buses are busy and crowded and no matter how many times we’re told, we always hate to move back to the back of the bus. Sometimes it’s out of convenience (maybe the next stop is your stop) and sometimes it’s just out of stubbornness. Being in the back of the bus sucks! That’s no secret. But it’s more annoying to watch you ignore the bus driver and end up being late to class because of it.
2. Dominating the entire hallway or sidewalk
Whether alone or with their friends, students on campus honestly couldn’t care less if they’re in your way. We’ve all got somewhere to be and something to do so we don’t have time to think about if we’re an inconvenience to you. It sounds selfish and rude, but that’s not the intention. We don’t realize we’re all over the place and in your way, we just are. It’s like running into a friend in the grocery store. You don’t know you’re standing right in front of the bread or eggs until someone has to squeeze past you to get what they need. It’s annoying, we know and we’re sorry.
3. Taking up an entire table in public spaces
This one is pretty justifiable, even though it’s annoying. Everyone thinks it even if they don’t want to say it. When studying in public, unless your friend walks through the door you want to be left alone. You need your space to spread out and get things done. If this means taking up an entire four-person table, so be it.
WE ALL DO IT. And usually, we get away with it too.
Many people don’t like asking a stranger to move their stuff so we can sit with them. Living in a college town, I’ve noticed this happen in many places. Starbucks, Barnes & Nobles, on and off campus! This happens everywhere, but we let it slide because we understand. It’s still annoying, and no doubt annoys the general public even more, but at least it’s understandable... right?
4. Walking out in front of buses and cars
We’re in a hurry. That’s really the only justification for this one. Even then it’s not much of one. I’ve only ever really seen this on campus. Everyone just assumes the vehicles coming straight at them will stop for them. Crosswalk or not, we cross and don’t care about if it causes an accident. (Don’t worry, mom. I usually look both ways!) We get cocky and we start to think “well if they hit me, they’ll have to pay my tuition.” But is that really a good enough reason to risk your life AND others?!
I think not. It’s not only annoying, it’s dangerous. Please stop.
5. Texting in the stairwell
While walking in front of moving vehicles is bad, this has to be the most annoying thing on this list. For those of you who don’t know what I mean, let me paint you a picture. You’re walking to class and you have to take the stairs. Suddenly you get stuck behind someone who is moving slower than a sloth stuck in molasses. You can’t get around them because people are coming on the other side already (stairway rule #1: two lanes like a road). So you look over to see why they’re going so ANCIENTLY SLOW and you see that they can’t take their eyes off of their phone and just WALK UP THE STAIRS.
It’s annoying. It happens in hallways too and on sidewalks.
Look, I get it. I love my phone and my friends just as much as everybody else. BUT PLEASE JUST GET OUT OF THE WAY. Thank you.
And a note to high school seniors, please think about these things before you get to college. It’s even more annoying coming from freshmen.
