Even though I‘ve only had a few short months of the “college life,” I can still attest to the fact that college isn’t everything it’s cracked up to be. Yes, there are parties almost every night, but it's not like Project X (unless I’m attending the wrong school). I don’t have much knowledge on Greek life; all I know is that my college budget doesn’t have room for the price of a social sorority. Even though college might not be all that it's talked up to be and the experience is different for every person, I will continue with the expectations vs. realities of college that I have witnessed thus far.
1. Expectation: Being away from home is much-needed freedom from parents.
Reality: I spent the first few nights in my new bed, in my new room, in my new home, wishing I had decided to go to community college back home. Even though my new room is adorable and extremely comfortable, it’s not my room in my home where my parents are and everything that I’m comfortable with is.
2. Expectation: No homework, EVER!
Reality: Staying up past midnight to write your three page minimum essay during the second week of class. Yes, that happened, and yes, it is reality. If you’re anything like myself, you waited until the last possible day to even start the essay.
3. Expectation: Parties every night, with good looking men and women everywhere and alcohol flowing like water in immaculate pillared frat houses.
Reality: There are occasional “frat” parties on the weekends, but the guy to girl ratio is 5:1. Every guy is trying to get lucky with that one girl, and the frat houses aren’t as extravagant on the inside–they’re outdated and horribly decorated, because they’re too busy spending their money on kegs to host parties.
4. Expectation: You and your roommates are going to be the best of friends.
Reality: You will have disputes, you will get annoyed when you come home to a sink full of dishes and you haven’t contributed to it, and you will be laying in bed hoping they turn the living room lights off this time. But, of course, they’re thinking the same about you. Even though these things occur, you’ll still have bonding times and nights full of laughter.
5. Expectation: “I am going to buy so many cute clothes to wear out.”
Reality: The amount of money you spend on clothes should end now, unless your parents are contributing to your budget, that is. I have had to overcome my shopping addiction and put that money towards necessities. Let me tell you, it’s been a struggle, but it has also made me realize how much more clothing I have than I ever thought, and how I definitely have more clothes than the average person. Even though my mom isn’t happy with my bank account, I don’t regret splurging and buying nothing but clothes, shoes, and accessories for the past year.
6. Expectation: Spending your days watching Netflix and taking naps.
Reality: Waking up before 8 a.m. every morning, attending class until 2 p.m., working, and doing homework until 12 a.m. I guess there is room for a little nap and a few episodes of Netflix, but it's not like people make it seem, unless you’re floating through college with the least amount of credit hours needed to be a full-time student. There is nothing wrong with that, either, but unfortunately, with my schedule, I won’t be spending my days watching Netflix and taking naps.
7. Expectation: “My professors won’t even notice if I skip class, and it won’t affect my grades.”
Reality: Skipping class will only put you behind, your professors will notice, and you’re only hurting yourself and your grades, which will affect your career. You are in college for a reason and taking certain classes for a reason, and if you’re constantly skipping class, you will be way too far behind when the exam rolls around. Don’t make a habit of it early! Push through the semester, and if class is at a time that doesn’t work well for you, switch it up for the next semester. There’s nothing worse than wasting money, especially when the money is going towards something to benefit your future.
8. Expectation: Getting drunk every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday is so fun, and so college.
Reality: Although getting drunk that often is so college, it isn’t so fun. Who really wants to wake up hung over three days in a row? That’s definitely not my ideal way to spend my weekends! Sure, you can experience it a few times, but be cautious about drinking. It’s better to be safe than sorry, and it’s a whole lot better to wake up feeling ready to go rather than wanting to lie in bed all day.
Like I said, even though I have only experienced a months of the college life, you find things out very quickly. You realize that college isn’t like the movies and Instagram posts only show a brief glimpse of the reality. Even though college might not be exactly like your expectations, it’s still a time to enjoy your final years of school and life without all of your impending adult responsibilities.
