Don’t you hate being guilty by association? Just because you’re a college student, people assume that you do all this stereotypical “college student stuff” when in reality, you don’t even do half of what society thinks you do. Time to crack down on some of those stereotypes society paints onto college students. Because stereotypes have stemmed from some truths, some of this is relatable to some extent, however, it doesn’t apply to every single college student in America.
If you’re in a Bio class you’re definitely pre-med.
Yes, bio is a requirement for pre-med students, however, it doesn’t mean that everyone there plans on going to med school. First, there’s also dental school, vet school, and nursing school that you could be preparing for. Second, there are other majors that require natural science courses for completion. Kudos to you if you are planning on going to med school, but that is not everyone’s plan.
If you’re on your laptop during class you must be on Facebook.
I have a professor who always assumes that if a student is typing on his or her computer during class then they have to be Facebooking. Maybe it’s true but maybe it’s not. They could be, oh I don’t know, typing notes from the lecture.
You drink coffee to stay awake.
Not everyone drinks coffee. Sure, a lot of students drink coffee – especially if there’s a Starbucks on campus that accepts meal points – but you’d be surprised by how many students actually say they don’t even like coffee.
To de-stress, you smoke.
Some of us prefer other methods such as music or exercise. Many of us have never even touched a cigarette or a vaporizer and furthermore, with all the resources available on college campuses, there are many other methods of relaxation.
You have been to a party.
My freshman year when I hung out with my best friend (who went to a different college) and her younger sister, I was accused of being a liar because I said I haven’t gone to a college party. Party, don’t party; it’s up to you and you shouldn’t be judged either way.
You hook up with people all the time.
I have heard people say that one thing they hope to get out of college is a hook up. College isn’t about that kind of thing for every single person. Stop being surprised when people tell you that they have never hooked up before. Hook up, don’t hook up…it’s up to you and only your business.
Everyone lives on campus.
Many people have this idea that the ultimate college experience is dorming on campus. Even at a college where the majority of students are residents, there is still a good chunk of students who commute. Sometimes commuter students who attend a school that is majority residential students can feel left out. Instead of asking someone you just met “what quad do you live on?” ask them if they commute or dorm first.
You sleep in and miss your first class of the day.
This is a big misconception that paints college students as uncaring and irresponsible. Sleep is valuable, but many students still get up in the morning to get themselves to class on time. Not every student with an 8a.m. class is doomed to miss it.
You don’t know how to do laundry.
While it may be true that some people do their own laundry for the first time while in college, more people than you think already knew how to wash clothes without shrinking anything or running colors, so jokes about turning white shirts pink don’t really apply to them.
Everyone has a boyfriend or girlfriend.
You see couple after couple strolling through campus while holding hands and you might see it so often that you’re inclined to think that everyone on campus is dating someone. A huge percentage of the college population dates, however, not everyone is currently dating. There are some students who are single and ready to mingle!
You hate the college you attend.
College is one of the most spirited institutions you will ever spend your life at – many students are proud to be where they are even if they don’t always say it.
#Seawolves4Life
Everyone does well.
Not at all. There will be those occasional students with a 4.0, but not everyone does well in college. Maybe they don’t realize that the major they chose isn’t doing them any justice or maybe they lack motivation to set themselves up for success. It’s not surprising to have students who have performed badly according to the university’s standards.
Science majors are obviously geniuses.
First of all, everyone of every major is smart. Second, our brains work in different ways. Some people can comprehend science quicker and easier than others while some struggle with it but are good at other things. Just because Biology is your declared major doesn’t mean you’re great at it – you can still struggle with it.
Everyone gains 15 pounds their freshman year.
While Freshman 15 is a popular college myth that can catch a handful of victims every year, there are some people who don’t gain weight their first year of college. Some people jokingly credit that to their small meal plan, which keeps them in check and dissuades them from buying that pint of ice cream for dessert every night.
Everyone studies at the library.
It’s a well-liked place to study, however, there are avid studiers in every crevice of campus if you really pay attention. At my school, some people like the toned down vibe of the lounge near our on-campus Starbucks – I can definitely vouch for that! Others have found more interesting places to study and call their own.
You don’t know enough about what’s going on in “the real world”.
It’s the assumption that college kids are more concerned with how they look in their new profile picture than the current state of the economy. There are many students who follow current events very closely.
You don’t need help.
This is a big point in your life when you could use all the help you can get. Whether it is navigating resources on campus, help for a particular class, or deciding on a career path your university is there to help you through it. College has many tough decisions and it’s only the beginning!