We have all seen the movies that have showed us what "college" is actually like. The media constantly portrays a college standard that has been in effect since the early 70s. With so much time passing between now and the early 70s, you would think that colleges and universities would have a different reputation with time. So, as an experiment, I went around the University of Nevada asking students four simple questions that many people like to believe are true about college students, keeping their names anonymous. The results are a bit surprising.

1. Have you eaten Ramen for three or more meals a day?

Yes: 14 No: 36

Ranging from seniors to freshman, it seemed obvious that society likes to paint the image of the starving college student, with us buying huge pallets of Ramen noodles. However, this doesn't seem to be the case anymore with the University of Nevada student population. Those students who said yes to this question normally said that it was "the college thing to do" and they immediately regretted making that decision. Those students who said no, actually preferred another healthier, sometimes tastier option when living paycheck to paycheck, some suggestions were Kraft Mac & Cheese, Homemade Salad, or usually the Student Union. So let's face it, Ramen is out, Macaroni is in.

2. Have you ever been to a house party?

Yes: 40 No:10

With the advancement of parties, it's getting easier to meet friends who are going out for the night. Plus, I bet plenty of us college age kids have been asked the question or asked the question of "Hey, do you have any addresses?" It's just a common part of college, we like to have fun. When we finally gain that sense of independence away from our parents, we have to have that outlet to rebel and let loose once in awhile. It seems that house parties will always be a stable and unstoppable force in college life.

3. Have you ever been drunk at a house party?

Yes: 22 No: 28

Due to many stories coming out about various parties ranging from sexual assault to alcohol poisoning, students seem to be getting smarter with their decisions and some refuse to get drunk at a house party because they're afraid of the consequences that they'll face.

4. How many hours per week do you study?

This question was only asked to students taking at least 15 credits and based on my results, many students study normally six to eight hours per week outside of class. This included homework, readings, and reviews for tests. However, I found that no student studied less than four hours per week. This amazed me due to the fact that college age students have an image in society that they normally have a tendency to study less and party more. But, that seems to have changed with the times.

5. Do you currently have a job?

Yes: 37 No: 13

With the large number of credits and piles of student debt, it seems necessary to have a job and go to school at the same time so you don't rack up even more debt. Those who said yes to this question definitely agree with that statement, and a lot of them also do it to help their parents out for putting them through college. Those students who said no also stated that they were "currently looking for job opportunities."

Throughout time, college students seem to have been given a "college lifestyle" handbook from the media and society of how they "should" be acting, but odds are that college has changed drastically since the early 70's. Those who are in college actually WANT to be here and get an education. We've been told countlessly that education and safety are important and those seem to have helped us build a new college lifestyle. We have learned from our mistakes, and we're ready to start a new way of "living the college life."