Myth: College is one big party.
Fact: Sure, parties are part of college, but remember that the main reason you’re there is to study and earn a degree. Partying too much will most likely mean flunking out of school.
Myth: Professors are unapproachable.
Fact: Professors are happy to work through course content or exams and offer advice.
Myth: College students are lazy and sleep all day.
Fact: Between classwork and extracurricular activities, most college students work hard.
Myth: You’ll have to buy all new books each semester.
Fact: Many university bookstores resell old books, so you’ll be able to buy a used version for less. If you have friends or classmates who have taken some of your classes in the past, you might want to ask them if they still have their books. Or you might be able to find the books you need on an online site, such as amazon.com, for a cheaper price than your college bookstore.
Myth: You don’t have to go to class.
Fact: Though some professors may not take attendance, and might not even check to make sure you are doing your assignments, it’s up to you to stay on top of your studies in college. If you miss a lecture, you might think it’s no big deal at the time, but when you don’t recognize a question on your next exam; chances are your professor covered it during a class you missed.
Myth: College is only for four years.
Fact: While many colleges are still four-year programs, it’s good to keep an open mind about how long college is “supposed” to be.
Myth: You will graduate from college and know exactly what you want to do with your life.
Fact: Throughout college, you’ll be able to explore new fields, take a variety of classes, and start thinking about your future career. But that doesn’t mean your search will be over the minute you graduate.
Acknowledgement: This fact sheet was originally developed by youth and staff at ReachOut.com, a website that helps teens get through tough times.
