Expectation vs Reality Of College Life
“College isn’t the place to go for ideas”, “Some people get an education without going to college, the rest get it after they get out.” There have been many misconceptions related to college and college life which have resulted in memes. But, we all agree to a simple fact i.e. we miss our college days!
When we are on the verge of passing our school period, we always look forward to college. Not to mention, being a school kid we always used to fantasize about college life and how cool it would be to get past school life and get admitted to our dream college. Yes, there will be fun parties; yes, there will be more drama then school; yes, there will be some night-outs as well, but what we see from the outset doesn’t always reflect the same.
Don’t get us wrong as we are not trying to give you any negative vibes regarding college life but life can give you some slightly unrealistic ideas and experiences about college life that is better when you experience yourselves. Therefore, it is better to go to the college all prepared to duck the bouncers which you may have to face. Here are some of the reality checks you might experience.
1. Partying
Expectations: When you are in your school and planning for college, the only plan on the back of your mind is to have a blast with friends hitting up awesome parties every Saturday night. Not only this but staying out long with your friends, a night out obviously ponders our thoughts.
Reality: Yes, you will go to parties, but not the ones which you imagined. Hanging in a crowded room with your batch mates or good friends. While in the hostel, you can enjoy the after-hours hostel parties wherein you will have to sneak in your friend’s room and celebrate with hushed voices with an eye on the door from where the warden walks in.
2. Homework
Expectation: College means no homework! The fact sounds good during school time, but your endless chill time takes a dig in college.
Reality: Not exactly homework, but you have to complete your assignments on time. This includes being stuck in the library until late trying to get through all the necessary elements to complete your assignment before the morning of submission.
3. Exploring The City
Expectation: Along with parties and hanging out with friends, your inner newly found freedom provokes you to go for a good outing with friends and explore cities nearby. Visiting famous mountains, monuments, beaches, cafes, etc. with friends gives you a feeling of a free bird.
Reality: Yes, you can go for an outing with your friends but explore only the nearby places. Whether you like it or not, most of the time you have to run after your professors for attendance-related issues that might force you to sit out of the exams if you do not meet the minimum criteria. Therefore, you can visit nearby places on weekends but not in your college days.
4. Dress Up
Expectation: If you have been to college in the 90s, no uniforms were something which got witnessed then. The school children of today’s generation still think the same that when they will go to college they will finally get freedom from uniform.
Reality: Nowadays, almost every college and university follows a uniform culture. Putting together your favorite makeup, nail art, dress, and matching accessories still seems like something inevitable.
5. Dating
Expectation: Whether you are a girl or a boy, dating is one such experience that almost everyone encounters at least (being sarcastic) once in their life. A hot, mature, and happening girl/boy is what you expect for dating.
Reality: You may encounter a boy/girl who makes you feel good, with whom time flies, but he/she doesn’t need to be the most perfect and eligible candidate in your college. Life is full of compromises, and you might have to make one more.
Suggested: 6 Expectations Vs Reality of Work from Home
6. Staying Away From Parents
Expectation: Considered as one of the best perks of college life, isn’t it? Today’s generation considers themselves cool if they don’t stay with their parents and expect the same while starting their new inning in college.
Reality: The hostel life might be high on fun, but when it comes to other aspects, it might be annoying. Boring and tasteless mess food, irritating roommates, homesickness which might make you miss home more than you know. The only thing which will place a smile on your face is the thought of going home in the holidays.
Conclusion:
There’s always a hard reality thing that you think is straightforward. The same goes for expectations and realistic scenarios. College might not be as much fun as you think it would be, but if you and your friend circle is happening, you can make your surroundings happening. College days are the best time of one’s life, so cherish every good and bad of your college experience.