Whether you’re leaving home for the first time or enrolling in your local community college, you might have a lot of misconceptions about the college experience.
So, what is college really like? Keep reading to learn about some of the myths and realities of being a college student.
Table of Contents
Key Points
• A bachelor’s degree sometimes takes more than four years due to changes in major, minors, and study abroad.
• Your college major does not strictly determine your career path; skills are transferable.
• Living off-campus does not reduce the college experience; resources and activities are still available.
• Many students start at community college then transfer to a four-year institution to save on costs.
• Financial aid isn’t just for low-income students but accommodates a wide range of financial backgrounds.
Common College Myths
Pop culture has altered how we view the quintessential college experience, and though some of these myths are rooted in some level of truth, many don’t hold up nowadays.
College myths can stoke anxiety for incoming students. So let’s look for truths.
Myth 1: A Bachelor’s Degree Takes 4 Years
Although traditionally students head to college for a “four-year degree,” many of them take longer to graduate. In fact, a little over 22% of bachelor’s degree-earners take more than four years to complete their program, according to the Education Data Initiative.
There are lots of legitimate reasons it can take students more than four years to get a degree. Some may change their major and need extra classes to meet their new major requirements. Others may take on a minor or a double major that requires extra classes. Adventurous students might take time to study abroad, which could potentially slow their progress.
Others may decide to transfer schools or might have to work to pay their way through school, which could lead to finishing required classes at a slower pace.
A student may simply need more time to master the coursework. Taking your time to make sure you get the most value from your education and accomplish everything you want matters more than following a strict timeline.
đź’ˇ Quick Tip: Some lenders help you pay down your student loans sooner with reward points you earn along the way.
Myth 2: Your Major Will Determine Your Career Path
Some students know exactly what career path they want to take and choose a major accordingly. Others may need more time to discover their passions and interests.
There is a misconception that you have to major in a subject that relates to your career path. Many degrees teach skills that can transfer to a variety of fields.
Philosophy and history degrees can teach perspective. English literature degrees can enhance the art of critical thinking. Majoring in graphic design may lead to a career in marketing.
The bottom line is, if you focus on the skills you learn while earning your degree more than the specific subject matter, you can apply those skills to many different career paths.
Myth 3: You Have to Live on Campus to Have the Full Experience
Here’s a fun fact for students who are debating whether or not they have to live on campus to get the full college experience: Only around 22% of university students live in on-campus dormitories. Living on campus can be convenient, but can also be expensive and a big step for students fresh out of high school.
Even if students don’t live on campus, they will still have access to on-campus resources and perks such as clubs, events, libraries, and gyms.
Choosing to live on campus is a personal decision and needs to be one made based on a student’s particular financial, social, and educational needs.
Recommended: University of Florida Tuition
Myth 4: No One Transfers From Community College
Around one-third of community college students end up transferring to a four-year school. Attending community college has multiple benefits worth considering. Students can receive a high-quality education for a fraction of the price by taking their general education classes at a community college. Taking these classes at a cheaper tuition price can give students more time and leeway to experiment with subject matter they are interested in.
For those who have their hearts set on prestigious universities, it can often be easier to transfer to one of those schools from community college than it is to be accepted straight out of high school.
Some community colleges have deals with local universities that can guarantee admission to your dream school if you meet certain qualifications. It’s known as a transfer admission guarantee, or TAG.
In California, six University of California campuses offer guaranteed admission to students from all California community colleges who have completed at least 60 semester units of UC-transferable credit.
And in Florida, state community college graduates with an associate degree are generally guaranteed admission to one of the 12 state universities.
Major College Realities
If you’re looking for a dose of reality before you start college, consider these tidbits. Knowledge is power, after all, so it can’t hurt to know what to expect.
Reality 1: Anyone Can Get Help Paying for School
Let’s start with some good news. Almost any student can find help paying for college, no matter what their financial background is.
While students from more privileged economic backgrounds may qualify for less federal student aid such as grants, both colleges and private businesses offer a variety of merit-based scholarships and grants that students can apply for.
Students can also access unsubsidized federal student loans, regardless of income. These loans come with relatively low fixed rates, income-based repayment, and borrower protections like forbearance.
If financial aid and federal loans aren’t enough to cover your full costs, you can also explore private student loans, which are offered by banks, credit unions, and other lenders. Rates can be fixed or variable and depend on the lender and your (or your cosigner’s) credit profile. Private loans don’t offer the same protections as federal loans, but can cover up to the full cost of attendance, giving you more borrowing power than you can get with the federal government.
đź’ˇ Quick Tip: Would-be borrowers will want to understand the different types of student loans that are available: private student loans, federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized loans, Direct PLUS loans, and more.
Reality 2: Follow Your Passions
You’ve heard it from your teachers, you’ve heard it from your parents, and chances are you’ve heard it from countless other adults who like to reminisce about the good ol’ days: Your time spent in college will be some of the best years of your life.
College is a unique time when young adults can follow their passions. Even if you choose a major that doesn’t align with all of your interests, there are many elective classes you can take and clubs you can join that will help you foster your passions.
Learn Portuguese, take a class in 3D printing, hit the stage for some dramatic arts, or simply explore the library archives. Take advantage of this special time in your life to learn more about what interests you.
Recommended: How to Get Involved on Campus in College
Reality 3: You Can Change Your Mind
You’ve known your whole life that you want to be a doctor. Or a lawyer. Or a beekeeper. Or so you thought. One of the many joys of college is that you have the time and space to learn and grow.
You may discover after two years of being a psychology major that the statistics classes you had to take were more interesting than your clinical psychology classes.
It’s never too late to switch majors (that extra year of sticking around campus will be worth it) or start interning in a new career field.
Some students may find that the college they chose while they were still in high school isn’t a good fit. Guess what? You can transfer to a new school if you wish. You can change your mind about what you want to study and what career path you want to take, too.
Reality 4: Partying Can Take a Toll
For some, college parties are a rite of passage. For others, they are stressful and distracting. If the party lifestyle is something you’re not interested in or is something you know you’ll get swept up in, it’s OK to stay home on a Friday night.
Focusing on your studies is why you’re at college, so don’t let peer pressure or societal expectations make you feel bad for prioritizing that.
The Takeaway
College isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience. It’s a mix of opportunities, challenges, and choices that look different for everyone. Whether you take four years or six, live on campus or commute, start at a community college or head straight to a university, your path is valid. What matters most is that you use your college years to learn, grow, and set yourself up for the future in a way that works for you.
If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.
FAQ
What is life like at college?
Life at college is a mix of independence, learning, and new experiences. Students manage classes, assignments, exams, while also exploring friendships, clubs, and activities. It’s often the first time many students live away from home, which can feel exciting and challenging. Balancing academics with social life teaches responsibility and time management. While routines vary, college offers opportunities for growth, self-discovery, and building future skills, making it a unique and often transformative chapter in life.
Is college fun or stressful?
College can be both fun and stressful, depending on how students handle the balance. The fun comes from making friends, joining activities, attending events, and enjoying newfound freedom. At the same time, academic demands, deadlines, and financial pressures can bring stress. Many students feel a mix daily. The key is finding balance — managing responsibilities while still finding time for relaxation, hobbies, and social life.
What is the hardest year at college?
The hardest year in college varies, but many students find junior year to be the most challenging. Junior year can be daunting with internships, heavier workloads, and sometimes research projects. That said, some find that freshman year is the toughest due to the adjustment to college life, while others find senior year to be hardest due to completing a capstone project and preparing for post-graduation. Each year has unique pressure, and the hardest one varies by individual.
About the author
Jacqueline DeMarco
Jacqueline DeMarco is a freelance writer who specializes in financial topics. Her first job out of college was in the financial industry, and it was there she gained a passion for helping others understand tricky financial topics. Read full bio.
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