university life expectations vs reality essay

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University Life and Campus: Expectations vs Reality

University Life

25 June, 2023

6 mins read

By Allaa Ashraf

Entering university is an exciting milestone in one's life, filled with anticipation, new experiences, and personal growth. As you prepare to embark on this journey, you often develop certain expectations about the university and campus life. However, things may not always be as you’d imagined them. University isn’t always fun and games; sometimes you have to write essays and present to people . Worry not, though, not every student has the same university experience, that’s for sure. So, just before you get too carried away, we will help you get back to earth!  

In this article, we will explore the expectations and realities of university life and campus life, providing a detailed perspective to help future university students better understand what to anticipate.

1. Independence and Freedom

Expectation : Free at last! The idea of campus life is the ultimate dream for people who have been waiting to move out. University is often seen as a gateway to newfound independence, freedom from parental supervision, and the ability to make decisions without constant guidance. You think you will only go home on holidays—Christmas, Thanksgiving, and maybe just a couple of days during the summer. 

Reality : With freedom comes responsibility. Students discover that managing their time, prioritising tasks, and staying organised are crucial for success. Balancing coursework, part-time jobs, extracurricular activities, and personal commitments can be overwhelming. The reality is that university life demands self-discipline and effective time management skills to navigate through the various responsibilities and opportunities available. 

Also, here is the deal: you’re going to miss home more than you think. You will find yourself missing the fresh, hot homemade meals, the daily talks with your parents, and even your siblings and their fights.

2. Seamless Transition and Instant Success

Expectation : Some students expect a seamless transition from high school to university, assuming that their previous successes will effortlessly translate into immediate triumphs in higher education.

Reality : The reality is that the university experience often presents new challenges and demands a growth mindset. Just because you are studying something you love doesn’t mean you will get your degree easily. There’s so much more to getting a degree than just studying what you love. 

Adapting to higher academic rigour, developing critical thinking skills, and adjusting to new teaching styles can be initially daunting. It's important to remember that personal growth and success are often the results of perseverance, resilience, and a willingness to learn from both successes and setbacks.

You will be excited about what you’re learning at university, but you might also find yourself overwhelmed with the workload. Sometimes you will focus so much time and energy on a specific subject, especially during the first semester or the first year. This can be draining and cause you to lose your passion.

3. Financial Freedom and Stability

Expectation : Many students imagine newfound financial freedom in university, with disposable income for leisure activities and personal expenses.

Reality : Now, hold on a minute! Don’t spend that money now! The reality is that university often comes with financial responsibilities. Tuition fees, accommodation costs, textbooks, and daily expenses can quickly add up. Students may need to balance part-time jobs or seek scholarships and financial aid to cover their expenses. Learning effective budgeting skills and practising financial responsibility become essential aspects of university life.

4. Hassle-Free Accommodation Life

Expectation : You won’t have any responsibilities regarding your accommodation life except paying the rent on a monthly basis, and if you choose private accommodation, it’ll all be fun and games.

Reality : As a student, you can choose between a PBSA and on-campus accommodation. Both require a different budget and a different lifestyle. Lower your expectations ; regardless of what you choose, life in a private student accommodation won’t be all fun and parties. 

Your room will need cleaning, you will have laundry, and you will have to organise a schedule for using the shared area with your flatmate. Sounds like a lot, right? We know that’s why we are telling you to think thoroughly about your choice of accommodation.

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5. easy peasy, lemon squeezy studying and assignments.

Expectation : As we all know, you always promise yourself that this year will be different and that you’ll study hard and not waste a minute. You promise yourself that you will keep up with all the workload you have and that you’ll never leave any assignment to the last minute. We’ve all been there.

Reality : It is not impossible, but remember to give yourself room for mistakes. If, after the first week, your assignments start to pile up, it is ok. You can simply manage your time better in order not to feel overwhelmed. In addition, you can think about studying and doing assignments as an exam prep strategy to motivate you.

6. Being in the Pink of Health

Expectation : You go to university telling yourself that you’re going to eat healthily and cook for yourself. Maybe you can pull this off for the first week of your university life, or even the first month.

Reality : You find yourself so swamped with assignments and projects that you might occasionally eat junk food for a meal or two. Don’t be harsh on yourself, and maybe exercise afterwards. That’s how you stay healthy .

7. A Continuous Social Extravaganza

Expectation: Many students envision university as a constant whirlwind of parties, social gatherings, and non-stop excitement. They imagine themselves surrounded by friends, attending events, and forming lifelong connections.

Reality: We’re sorry to break it to you; we really are. While universities provide ample opportunities for socialising, the reality is that balancing social life and academics can be challenging. Students quickly realise that attending lectures, studying, completing assignments, and preparing for exams require significant time and effort. It becomes essential to strike a healthy balance between socialising and academics to make the most of the university experience.

8. Vibrant Campus Life

Expectation : Campus life is often portrayed as a vibrant community teeming with clubs, organisations, sports teams, and cultural events. Students expect a wide array of options to get involved and find their niche.

Reality : While universities offer a diverse range of extracurricular activities, the reality is that finding your niche might take time and exploration. Joining clubs, attending events, and actively engaging with the campus community can help students discover their interests and build lasting connections. It's important to remember that the university experience is not solely confined to the campus, as many students find fulfilment through off-campus activities and local communities.

9. Time for Personal Exploration and Self-Discovery

Expectation : University is often seen as a transformative period for self-discovery, where students have the time and freedom to explore their identities, values, and interests.

Reality : While university provides opportunities for personal exploration, the reality is that self-discovery is an ongoing process that extends beyond the university years. Students may find themselves questioning their beliefs, values, and goals and may encounter diverse perspectives that challenge their preconceived notions. Embracing these experiences as opportunities for growth and self-reflection can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself.

10. Always Feeling Motivated and Inspired

Expectation : Students often anticipate a constant state of motivation and inspiration, assuming that their passion for their chosen field of study will propel them effortlessly through their academic journey.

Reality : The reality is that motivation can fluctuate, and students may face periods of academic pressure, stress, or burnout. Challenging coursework, multiple deadlines, and high expectations can sometimes dampen enthusiasm. Developing resilience, seeking support from peers or academic advisors, and practising self-care strategies can help students navigate these challenges and rediscover their motivation.

And there you have it, folks! University life and campus life bring with them a mix of expectations and realities. While some expectations align with reality, others may require adjustments and a shift in perspective. 

Recognising that university life is a unique journey that varies for each individual can help students navigate the challenges and maximise the opportunities available. Embracing the realities of university life, including the need for balance, responsibility, and personal growth, can lead to a fulfilling and transformative experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. will university life be exactly like what i've seen in movies and tv shows.

While movies and TV shows often portray an exaggerated version of university life, it's important to remember that reality may differ. University life is a unique experience for each individual, and while there may be some elements of excitement and social events, it also involves academic responsibilities and personal growth.

2. How can I balance my social life with academics?

Balancing social life and academics requires effective time management and prioritisation. It's important to set realistic goals, create a study schedule, and allocate time for social activities. Additionally, engaging in extracurricular activities and joining clubs can help combine socialising with personal development.

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3. what should i do if i'm struggling academically.

If you're facing academic challenges, don't hesitate to seek help. Most universities offer support services such as tutoring, study groups, or academic advisors who can assist you in improving your academic performance. It's important to communicate with your professors, ask questions, and utilise available resources to overcome any difficulties.

4. How can I make the most of my university experience beyond classes?

Getting involved in campus activities is a great way to enhance your university experience. Join clubs or organisations that align with your interests, participate in community service initiatives, attend campus events, and explore opportunities for internships or research projects. Engaging in these activities will allow you to build a network, develop new skills, and make lifelong memories.

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Writing An Essay: Expectations Vs Reality

Expectation: Submitting it early Reality: Livin' life on the edge and getting it in at 11.58pm

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Essay writing is quite the art form. If we’re talking about the Year 4, pick three colours and try to colour in a koala kind of art.

Here’s what you’re probably expecting writing an essay to be like versus what it’s actually like.

Expectation: Getting Started Is The Hardest Part

Reality: the whole damn essay is the hardest part.

Those procrastinators among us often convince ourselves that it’s totally fine to leave one day for the completion of an assignment — because once you actually start that essay, you’ll be able smash it out in one go.

This is almost never true. It isn’t until you actually start writing the essay that you realise how much you dislike writing essays, and it’s painful to know that you have to be essay-ing for the next eight hours straight.

Expectation: Writing About A Topic You Already Know About Is A Piece Of Cake

Reality: you still need to find references for every single fact you already know.

It’s all fun and games when you get an essay topic on something that you’re already particularly interested in. That is, until you realise you can’t include any of the random facts you know without referencing a scholarly article.

I know that the purpose of a kettle is to boil water in an accessible jug – do I really need to say that Bill actually said it in his paper on Kitchen Essentials in 1995?

Expectation: Leaving Your Beloved Bibliography Until Last Because It’ll Take You No Time!

Reality: panicking at 11:58pm about whether you’re meant to use a full stop or comma after the author’s name.

We’ve been writing bibliographies for years now, how hard could it actually be? Hard. We can never be quite sure where the brackets go, or the colons and commas. I guess, when you think about it, why on earth would our brains choose to store information about the difference between italics and quotations in a bibliography over Cardi B’s new lyrics? That’s right – it doesn’t. Maybe next time we’ll remember that and leave a solid three hours for our bibliographies? Nah.

Expectation: Submitting Your Essay Early To Make Life Easier

Reality: living life on the edge and submitting at 40 seconds ’til midnight.

“Golly, I’m definitely never leaving my essay until the last minute again – I don’t want to be emailing the Dean again on account of my late submissions. Early, stress-free starts it is for me now!”

Four weeks later.

“Hey Mr Dean, it’s your pal Claudia again (whoop)! So, funny story, this the 7 th time I missed the assignment deadline, but the silver lining is that I made a new PB — submitted it only 20 seconds over the cut-off time! I feel like you’d be high-fiving me right about now, sir?”

Expectation: Technology Is Amazing – Look How Fast You Can Type Your Assignment

Reality: screw technology.

Being able to access the uni library from the comfort of your trackies, thanks to your trusty laptop, is definitely one of the perks to 21 st century uni life. It’s all fun and games until your computer fails and loses your entire essay just minutes before it is due.

Expectation: Essay Structure Is So Simple And Straightforward

Reality: “when do i start a new paragraph”  .

You’d think finding content to write about would be the hardest part of the essay – that is, until you find yourself questioning the use of semicolons and wondering how many words should make up a sentence.

Expectation: Only 4000 Words? I’ll Definitely Take Advantage Of That Extra 10%!

Reality: wondering whether your tutor will accept 632 words.

Remember the good old days in high school when you would write 700 words over the word limit just because? Although you may not realise it at first – in uni, word limits will be your enemy. You’ll find yourself including “just a few” extra convincing, incredible and persuasive adjectives, in an attempt to bump up your word count.

Perhaps we should learn from our mistakes and learn to write essays properly and punctually? Nah – where’s the fun in that?

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College: Expectations vs. Reality

As a new school year begins, expectations run high amongst students, especially freshmen. Students begin to envision a new semester with nothing but perfect days ahead. Does college really live up to these expectations? Or are the standards too high? Social media, movies, TV shows, and all those people telling you it’ll be the best four years of your life can create very unrealistic ideas when imagining what your college experience will be like.

Yes, you will have tons of freedom and no parents present to tell you what you can and cannot do; yes, there will plenty of fun parties to go to and yes they are themed. Your time on campus will definitely be enjoyable and life changing, but you should always have a realistic approach to what it will actually be like. Here are some of the expectations about college versus the reality of what it is really like:

Expectation : Your dorm will look like it came from PINK or Pottery Barn Teen.

Reality : You will see a bed with risers to make room for the boxes of Ramen Noodles under there, with bulky, mismatched, awfully colored furniture. And, maybe a few Beyoncé posters.

Expectation : The dining hall has endless options so it’ll be so easy for me to eat healthy. What freshman 15?

Reality : When is the DH going to change chicken finger Wednesday to chicken finger Monday-Friday?

Expectation : You and your roommate will be total besties.

Reality : You’ll eat together in the dining hall every day for the first week and then find out they probably descended from the gates of Hell, keeping you up every night.

Expectation : You’ll have your own pool of sophisticated, mature college boys to choose from.

Reality : Fratty bros texting you to “Netflix and Chill?”

Expectation : Being so overwhelmed with parties that you can’t choose which one to go to. #LIT

Reality : Pre-gaming in a hot, crowded dorm room, waiting too long for an address, and showing up to the party as they are kicking people out.

Expectation : Sleeping in until noon every day. YAAASSSS.

Reality : Stumbling out of bed at 8:15 a.m. to make it to your 8:30 a.m. lecture, which you will struggle to stay awake in. The struggle is so real.

Expectation : Not having school from 7:00-3:00 p.m. means plenty of time for Netflix and my bed.

Reality : You’re living off cereal while you try to cram a semester’s worth of work into two days.

Expectation : College professors are much more laid back. No homework = endless free time.

Reality : Only two weeks into the semester and you’re pulling an all nighter at the library to get through 300 pages of reading before your class in the morning.

Expectation : Your own pool of drama free, laid back, hot college women to date.

Reality : Half-naked girls dressed in costumes, whining about the lack of Instagram love that night. Now that you know what to expect from college, you won’t have as many let downs. Whether this is your first semester in college or your fifth, you should always keep your mind open to experiencing new things and meeting new people.

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Expectations vs. Reality: How the College Experience Measures Up

Before you even start orientation week, you already think you know what college life will be like–parties, going to class whenever you feel like and ice cream for breakfast. Sometimes the actual experience is exactly what you think it would be, and sometimes you realize that college life couldn’t be more different than everything you thought.

What You Expect: Crammed in Tight

You think having a roommate will suck , especially if you grew up never sharing as much as your siblings clothes. You worry they won’t watch  The Office and won’t want to stay up until 3 a.m. binge watching it with you. Or what if they bring dates over all the time? Worst of all, what if they believe in a communal kitchen and eat all your food? Then again, for the more optimistic folks, you might expect your roommate to be your BFF from the very first day because arent roommates supposed to be your first college friend?

What You Get: BFF…Or Nah?

“My freshman year…I had this expectation that [my roommate and I] were going to be really close, considering we lived together and we had a lot in common. But she wasn’t ever really around, and when she was around we wouldn’t talk because she’d be watching shows on Netflix,” University of Iowa senior Ali Mictretta. “Then my sophomore year, I lived with this amazing girl who gave me the experience I was originally hoping for. [When going through I difficult time] she was there with me every step of the way. I came home from classes…and my favorite snacks and desserts were on my desk, with a sympathy card too. It was such a small gesture but it meant so much to me.” Everyone has tiffs with their roommates, so don’t expect every roommate you have to be on the same page as you. Your roommate experience all depends on the person. You may meet your very best friend while trying to decide how to stack your beds. Or you may never meet them if they spent most of their time elsewhere.

Food Options

What You Expect: Mom’s Cooking

You’re moving away from your parent’s home cooked meals but hey, you get a full-on buffet every time you go to eat at the dining hall. “I was expecting the food to taste terrible, but for the most part it was pretty yummy! I think dorm food gets a bad rep just because it’s the same kind of food over and over—the food itself though is actually pretty good,” University of Iowa senior Ali Mictretta said. And when you can’t make it to the lunch times, you can make all the Spongebob-shaped mac and cheese you want. What in the world could possibly be wrong with college food ?

What You Get: Dining Uncertainty

“I thought it would be pretty bad, only to my surprise it was actually worse than that. It was really disgusting, and it didn’t get any better, even when I moved to a different school,” University of Central Missouri junior Riley Schawo said. College food is shaky ground. For every story about the blessing of dinning hall buffets, get ready for a horror story how much it sucks. What you’re served in the dining hall is something easy to prepare and made in bulk—not momma’s famous chicken noodle soup. Like any buffet, if you come right as the food’s being served, it’ll taste much better than if you come an hour later.

What You Expect: Raging Parties and Basic B-tches

There’s a certain expectation for Greek life on campus, either very good or very bad. Often times sorority girls get labeled as ditzy blondes who buy their friends and stick up there noses at GDIs. Frat guys on the other hand seem to only care about those blondes and booze. Oh, and let’s not forget boat shoes.

What You Get: Dedication and Betterment

“I didn’t expect fraternities to be anything other than people who sit around and drink all day. Now I know that [at least mine] is a group of men who genuinely believe in brotherhood and bettering ourselves and others,” Augustana College freshman TJ Mulcahy said. Frats may host the best parties, but they probably also host social events like fundraisers, marathons and other activities to do on a Saturday that don’t involve crowded dance floors or sticky basements. And sorority sisters tend to hold high positions in organizations around campus. Sometimes recognizing these great accomplishments is difficult when you’re not truly immersed in the culture.

What You Expect: Actual Adults

College is a big bubble of sprouting adults. You think everyone will be an actual grown-up, that everyone accepts diversity and all that clique stuff from high school remains in the past. After all, we’re all just trying to figure it out, and no one actually knows what they’re doing. Might as well stick together, right?

What You Get: “Grown-Up” Mean Girls

Sadly, one year between high school and college won’t cause everyone to suddenly act like an adult. “There was a girl on my floor whose roommate never came, and she was having trouble making friends. These girls on my floor had begun harassing her, purposefully avoiding and excluding her,” University of Iowa junior Molly Parrish said. “Later on in the semester, that same group of girls started using the same tactics they used on the first girl on me. I ended up transferring schools because of the way the university handled situations like this. It was an extremely crazy time, and it showed me how truly cruel people can be.” This is not to say that everyone at college is going to be awful—I promise you  will meet cool people who embrace your quirks—but be prepared to meet people you can’t believe don’t get carded at R-rated movies.

Class Schedule

What You Expect: Hour-Long Breaks

The new and flexible time structure of college probably ranks high on the lists of things you’re probably most excited about for college. You no longer have to get up at 6 a.m. every morning because some of your classes don’t even start until 10:30 a.m. Hell, some Tuesdays and Thursdays you might not have classes until noon. Having blocks of time between classes means skipping back to your dorm to nap and feel refreshed for your evening class.

What You Get: Lots of Guilt Work

Surprisingly, college grants you both lots free time and none at all. “I have more free time than I thought, but still not enough time in the day. I fully expected, due to my major [music education], that even when I wasn’t in a lecture or a lab, I would always have something that I have to do. I surprise myself and find I have time with no obligations,” Mulcahy said. That hour in between classes actually makes being productive difficult; it’s a weird chunk of time where going back to the dorm or get too deep into homework doesn’t make sense. But you still have long enough to do more than get a snack and walk to your next class. Truly though, your class schedule and work load depend on your major and how well you prioritize your time.

Leaving Home

What You Expect: Confidently Adulting

There are two types of college freshmen: those who couldn’t spend another day at home because their parents drove them crazy, and those who suddenly become very nervous realizing they have to take care of all their problems on their own. Nervous or not, you get to call the shots. No one can tell you to go to bed before midnight or complain you aren’t doing your chores (well, your roommate can but that doesn’t mean you have to listen).

What You Get: Wanting to Be Home in Your Bed

Being away from home can take a lot of weight off your chest, and honestly sometimes you’ll get along better with your parents when you’re not around them all the time. You listen more and you miss them. But being a real grown up isn’t always fun. “I started freshman year and I didn’t expect college to be what it was. I just started thinking ‘college sucks,’ and I called my mom begging her to come pick me up . I felt trapped here because I couldn’t get home when I wanted,”   University of Iowa senior Brenna Johnson said. Everyone has days they just want to curl up in their own bed with their pet, but if you choose the right college, missing home gets easier. You find your own slice of home in that school, and that’ll teach you how to live like a real grown-up.

About Megan Deppe

Megan Deppe is a junior Journalism and Cinema double major at the University of Iowa. She loves movies, which she constantly reminds people on her blog ReelTalk, and she can hold an entire conversation using nothing but Friends quotes. But she’s not a nerd- okay, that may be a lie.

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Coming into college I had the advantage of knowing many other people that have gone through the college process that have helped me prepare for what to look for. Even with this knowledge, I was somewhat scared of how it would actually be for me. One main thing I was worried about, as are most other people, was the workload I would have. During my senior year of high school, I had a half day schedule so I would have a light workload. I was used to this, and expected it to be the same in college. At first, since everything was a new experience, I felt that the workload increased and was stressed due to all the changes, academically and socially, that I was going through. After a few weeks, I was able to get on the right track and balance my school life with my personal life really well and the workload didn't overwhelm me as much. It is important for future students to know that at first University life will be a little difficult, but as long as they find their right balance, it is not as bad as they might have thought it would be. There are definitely times where it may be overwhelming, such as midterms and finals week, but that is unavoidable and students are prepared for this beforehand. Another piece of advice I would give incoming SGC students is to take advantage of the opportunities given to them by the University. The University of Maryland has numerous clubs and organizations that students can be a part of to help them further their education as well as meet people with the same interest as them. One last piece of advice that I believe is really beneficial to first year college students is to have a good relationship with their professors. Students should approach their professors in the beginning of the semester and maintain this interaction throughout the course of the class. It is really important to have a healthy relationship with your professor since they may be someone you ask for a recommendation letter for. Additionally, a good relationship can get you opportunities that other students may not have had since you are showing interest in what you are learning by taking time out of your day to meet with the professor. These meetings don't always have to be educational, they can involve day to day conversations on how each other's day is going. Overall, it is important to come into college with a positive attitude towards it and not be afraid of whatever challenges it may throw at you. Everyone else is going through the same feelings and one is not alone in this process!

Going to uni: expectations vs. reality

Going to uni might be totally different to what you expect, but what's the reality? Your expectations of uni life might not always be entirely accurate.

So, you made it through your A-levels, celebrated through the summer, and now, finally it’s here. It’s September, and that can only mean one thing – it’s nearly time for uni! Are you excited? 

You’ve definitely got some great times ahead, but university isn’t all fun and games; sometimes you have to write essays, too. So just in case you were getting too carried away, let us present you with some of the popular expectations of university life vs. the reality.

1. Expectation: luxurious student digs

Ok, so maybe not all of you were expecting this. But it’s got to be better than the tiny box room you grew up in, right? Right?

While there are some snazzy  private halls of residence cropping up across the country, it's highly likely you'll be in university campus accommodation. Your room most likely won’t be fancy, but it’ll be functional, and you can definitely improve it with some posters, fairy lights or house plants.

2. Expectation: student loan! I’m rich!

With maintenance loans of up to £9,250 available each year, you can now splash out at Waitrose every week. Drinks on you!

There’s a good chance your first student loan instalment will be the biggest amount of money you’ve ever seen in your bank account, but don’t spend it all at once. Remember, it’s got to cover your rent, bills, books, travel and entertainment. Luckily, we’ve got lots of finance advice to help you get through the year.

3. Expectation: finally! A chance to show off my superior culinary skills.

You won’t be one of those stereotypical students who lives off junk food and beans on toast. You’re going to eat healthily, maybe even show off your prowess in the kitchen by cooking for your flatmates. They’ll love it!

There’s a reason why the average student gains a stone in their first year. Cooking can be hard, especially when you’ve got to fit it around lectures and those all-important nights out. Take a look at our advice for cooking at uni , and try not to order takeaway every night.

4. Expectation: free at last. I’m never going home again.

Except for Christmas, obviously and maybe for a few days in the summer if you’re not too busy holidaying with your new friends.

This sentiment will last exactly as long as it takes for you to run out of clean underwear and/or money. Whichever comes first.

5. Expectation: campus life is one long catwalk

You’ve probably bought loads of new clothes for uni already, and why not? Obviously you want to impress your new classmates.

We give it a week before you succumb to the lure of the Oodie. So cosy.

6. Expectation: woo! Party every night!

You’re finally living away from home, and enjoying all the freedom that brings. You can’t wait to be the life and soul of every night out, and get invited to all the coolest parties.

‘No more alcohol. I beg you.’ – You, by Thursday. Lucky for you, there are plenty of alcohol-free activities you can do at uni.

7. Expectation: I’m going to every single lecture. Even the early ones.

You’ll be this year’s Hermione Granger. ‘I know the answer! Pick me!’

It’s been a hard week of partying, and the snooze button is looking very tempting this morning. Zzzzzzzzzzzzz.

8. Expectation: my hall mates will all be awesome and we’ll be best friends forever.

Why wouldn’t you love every one of the eight other people you’ve been randomly selected to live with?

Halls are great for making friends, but don’t expect to instantly hit it off with everyone. There’s always one guy…

9. Expectation: becoming irresistible 

You're a mystery, and who can resist a mystery? 

You’re going to meet loads of people at uni and there’ll be plenty of opportunities for romance, but you weren’t Tom Hiddleston before Freshers’ Week, and you probably aren’t now.

10. Expectation: finding ‘the one’

Ever since Wills and Kate met and fell in love when studying together at St Andrews, more and more students are expecting to leave university with a degree and a future spouse.

If you do happen to meet ‘the one’ during Freshers’ Week (statistically it’s unlikely), great. If not, don’t sweat it – you’re too young to be tied down!

For more tips and expectations, read our student blogger Iga’s 40 things she wishes she'd known before starting uni.

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Student Life: Expectations Vs. Reality

When you start university, it's hard to know what to expect. a queen's university belfast student shares her expectations and how they matched up with reality..

This article was written by Claire Ford, a Queen's University Belfast student.

EXPECTATION: You attend classes all day every day

REALITY: After spending years in education, many automatically assume that university is going to be a similar structure to high school. This really isn't the case. Most degrees don't have classes all day every day and, in many cases, you don't have classes every day of the week.

University is more about independent learning with most courses having a few classes and lectures with the expectation that you'll continue your studies in your spare time at home or at a university study space.

EXPECTATION: All everyone does is party

REALITY: Growing up, I was always told about how students would party hard throughout university. I'm not saying that they don't — of course they do — however, it's not really what older generations, and the movies, let on .

Students drink and party occasionally, but the vast majority are extremely respectful, don't always party, and always put their university work first, graduating with great degrees. There are also many students who don't drink or party at all. There's plenty to do at university that doesn't involve alcohol, such as sports and society events .

EXPECTATION: University is just about getting a degree

REALITY: Yes, we're all here to earn a credential and further our education, but university has so much more to offer. You can make friends for life , join clubs and societies to find new hobbies and interests, develop social skills , and increase your employability through work experience provided by the university. Explore everything that Queen's University Belfast has to offer!

You can gain so much more than just a degree if you make an effort to get involved.

EXPECTATION: University is one big friend group

REALITY: I won't be the only one who's always been told that you'll make lots of friends at university and that it's one massive social circle. Although this is true to an extent, it really does take some effort . I don't think it's as effortless as many let on.

Three years into my degree, a lot of people in my program don't speak to each other outside of classes. I've made almost all my friendships through societies, groups, accommodation, and other friends. You can certainly make lots of friends at university, but I really think you need to get involved and put effort in , especially if your course is very large, like mine.

EXPECTATION: You need a whole new wardrobe for uni

REALITY: As many start university, it's likely that you're planning a bit of a clothing haul. However, I'm telling you now that the high fashion on campus rarely lasts past orientation week . When I started university, I must've spent a few hundred pounds on clothing — but when you're getting up for a 9 AM lecture, students barely wash their faces, never mind put together a cute outfit.

You really don't need a whole new wardrobe for university — an oversized hoodie will be your best friend.

EXPECTATION: University societies are just to socialize and have fun

REALITY: This expectation isn't wrong, societies are a great place to socialize and have fun, however this isn't their sole purpose or even the main reason that some join. Societies make a great addition to your learning, personal development, and resumé . Many even have great connections with local businesses which help those involved get graduate roles.

Being on the committee of a society also shows great responsibility and is something I was always asked about when I was interviewing for placements.

EXPECTATION: Student loans and grants are free money

REALITY: Having only worked part-time jobs prior to university, my student loan was a very large amount of money to me when I first received it. I remember that many of my friends spent it all in one go! Textbooks and food are expensive and believe me, you'll need every penny of your student loan .

EXPECTATION: You're going to cook great meals

REALITY : I see so many university students arrive on their first day armed with a recipe book and great willpower; however, believe me, it doesn't often last long. Vegetables are expensive, doing the dishes is time consuming, and Tesco pot noodles taste too good . Still, learning to cook simple meals , like rice, beans, and frozen veggies, can save you a ton of cash in the long run.

Those are just some university myths debunked. Hopefully this helps you feel more prepared and have a better idea of what to expect when you start your first year!

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