7 common myths about student life
Time in college is very challenging yet thrilling. What’s more, it comes hand in hand with a wide range of misconceptions.
We have spoken to Rebecca, Ben, and Janice – college graduates that helped us debunk the main misconceptions. So, let’s dive in.
Common myth #1: Students do not have enough time to balance studies and work
Many people say that there is no way to combine your studies with a part-time job successfully. However, statistics prove this misconception wrong. According to the Condition of Education 2020 report, 81% of undergraduates were employed part-time in 2018. Thus, the lion’s share of students manages to balance their studies and a part-time job.
Rebecca shares that having to work and study simultaneously was quite a challenge for her. However, using helping tools and services made it way easier. For instance, she has used Trello for task management. Also, she remembers using the EssayWritingService – a platform where you can get your academic papers written for you by professional writers.
Myth busted: students can study and work at the same time if they have good time management skills and use helping tools.
Common myth #2: All students are party animals
It is quite a common misconception that you have to party a lot to fit in and find friends in college. Although you might see many students go clubbing frequently in their first year, hardly anyone has the stamina to do it by the third year.
What’s more, clubbing and hosting parties are not budget-friendly activities. Thus, it is not suitable for the vast majority of students. Ben proves that he went out just a few times during his studies. However, it was not an obstacle to find his college friends.
Myth busted: all students decide for themselves if they want to party hard or not.
Common myth #3: Students cannot cook
One of the biggest student life stereotypes is that they can’t cook and eat food delivery all the time. Janice says that she actually couldn’t cook when she first arrived at college. Nevertheless, she quickly picked it up from dormitory neighbors.
Even if you do end up living off food delivery, you still can go for healthy options instead of fast food.
Myth busted: students can learn how to cook quite quickly.
Common myth #4: The first year is the easiest
Many students think that their first year is introductory, so there is no need to take it too seriously. Although during your first year you will probably have fewer classes, do not underestimate their importance.
Ben: “The classes you have in the first year lay the basis for the further mastering of your field. What’s more, you make your first impression on professors and your fellow students during your first year. So, it is a huge mistake to neglect your classes during freshman year.”
Myth busted: the first year is as important as others.
Common myth #5: There is no way back if you choose a certain area of studies
College is a place to discover yourself. So, it is not a rare case when students understand that they have chosen the wrong field of study. However, many students think that there is no way back in such a case. It is not so, we assure you.
Although none of the graduates we have spoken to have changed their area of studies, many of their former groupmates have. Usually, universities allow switching a studying program, so it is not that difficult.
Myth busted: students can change their field of studies.
Common myth #6: Everyone graduates in four years
Typically, we think of a bachelor’s degree as a four-year period. It is, however, not totally accurate. First of all, this period varies in different countries. Also, the vast majority of colleges allow adjusting your study program to your current needs.
For instance, at the Bamberg University in Germany, students can create a schedule for themselves. As a result, it takes five years to graduate for some students, whereas others can manage to do it in three years.
Also, sometimes personal circumstances force students to take study leave for a semester or even a year.
Myth busted: it can take you more or less than four years to graduate, and it is absolutely normal.
Common myth #7: You have to work all the time while studying
Some students are afraid that college is about constant all-nighters filled with assignments. We are not going to lie – it could be true. However, in just one case – if you lack time management skills. Otherwise, you will have time for the activities you enjoy. Janice proves that it is possible: she could study, work part-time, go in for sports, and meet with her friends. She says that it is all about time management and prioritizing.
Myth busted: students can work smart rather than hard.
Wrapping up
College years are frequently associated with a wide range of misconceptions and myths. Unfortunately, some applicants tend to get overwhelmed with these common misconceptions, which can only spoil their student life.
So, we hope that the stories of Rebecca, Ben, and Janice helped you understand the gist of the college years. We wish you all a wonderful time in college.
