25 Things No One Ever Told You About College

So you’re headed off to college – exciting times ahead! You’ve probably heard all about the wild parties, late-night study sessions, and the freedom of living away from home. But there’s much more to college life that doesn’t make it into the brochures or orientation speeches.

Get ready for some eye-opening truths about college that might surprise you. From the weird habits you’ll pick up to the unexpected challenges you’ll face, I’m spilling the beans on 25 things that no one usually tells you about college life.

Shower shoes are a must

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Dorm bathrooms can be pretty gross. You’ll want to protect your feet from whatever’s lurking on those floors. Flip-flops or cheap rubber sandals become your best friends for showering. It might feel weird at first, but trust us, it’s better than getting an athlete’s foot.

Sleep becomes a luxury

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Late-night study sessions, noisy roommates, and early classes create a perfect storm for messed-up sleep schedules. You’ll learn to nap anywhere- libraries, lounges, even during short breaks between classes. Coffee has become a major food group for many students.

Laundry is a whole new adventure

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Suddenly, you’re in charge of keeping your clothes clean. You’ll learn the hard way not to mix colors, how much detergent to use, and that socks mysteriously disappear. Laundry day becomes a social event in dorms, with everyone fighting for machines.

You’ll eat weird food combinations

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When you’re broke and hungry, creativity strikes. Ramen noodles become a base for all sorts of strange meals. You might find yourself eating cereal for dinner or making sandwiches with whatever’s left in the fridge. Late-night pizza has become a major food group.

Time management is crucial

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Your day was structured in high school. In college, you might have huge gaps between classes. It’s tempting to nap or hang out, but learning to use this time wisely is key. Balancing study time, social life, and self-care becomes a real challenge.

Procrastination hits hard

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With no one checking up on you, it’s easy to put things off. You’ll probably pull at least one all-nighter to finish a paper you’ve known about for months. Learning to beat procrastination becomes a valuable life skill.

Making friends isn’t always easy

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Movies make it look like you’ll instantly find your college crew. In reality, it can take time to form real friendships. You might feel lonely at first but don’t worry. Join clubs, talk to classmates, and be patient. Your people are out there.

Professors are actually human

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In high school, teachers might have seemed like a different species. College professors can be more approachable. Many genuinely want to help you learn and succeed. Don’t be afraid to visit during office hours or ask questions after class.

Your major might change (a lot)

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It’s normal to switch majors, even multiple times. You’ll learn about new subjects and discover interests you never knew you had. Don’t stress if your plans change. College is about figuring out what you really want to do.

Group projects are inevitable

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Love them or hate them, you’ll have to do group projects. They can be frustrating when people don’t pull their weight. But they’re good practice for real-world teamwork. You’ll learn to communicate, delegate, and sometimes, do extra work to save the project.

Textbooks are ridiculously expensive

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The cost of textbooks can be shocking. You’ll learn to hunt for deals, rent books, or share with classmates. Sometimes, you might even risk going without the book. Pro tip: Always check if the library has a copy before buying.

Homesickness happens to everyone

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Even if you were dying to leave home, you might get hit with homesickness. It’s totally normal and doesn’t mean you’re not ready for college. Calling home, bringing familiar items to your dorm, and keeping busy can help.

You’ll become a pro at microwaving

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Dorm life often means limited cooking options. You’ll discover all sorts of meals you can make in a microwave. From mug cakes to quesadillas, your microwave skills will impress (and maybe scare) your future self.

Free food is everywhere

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Once you’re on your own, free food becomes irresistible. You’ll go to club meetings just for the pizza. Campus events with snacks suddenly seem super interesting. Your nose will develop a radar for free food opportunities.

Coffee becomes a way of life

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Even if you didn’t drink it before, coffee might become your best friend. Late nights and early mornings make caffeine essential for many students. You’ll learn your perfect coffee order and the best spots on campus to grab a cup.

Your style will probably change

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College is a time for experimenting with your look. You might try out new fashion styles, hairstyles, or even tattoos and piercings. Don’t be surprised if you come home looking different than when you left.

You’ll learn to budget (the hard way)

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Suddenly, you’re in charge of your own money. It’s easy to blow through cash on food, fun, and random stuff. You’ll probably make some money mistakes, but that’s how you learn. Budgeting becomes a valuable life skill.

Roommate drama is real

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Living with someone new can be tough. You might become best friends, or you might drive each other crazy. Learning to communicate, compromise, and respect boundaries is crucial. Roommate stories become legendary college tales.

Campus fashion gets weird

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You’ll see people wearing pajamas to class, costumes on random days, and all sorts of strange outfits. College campuses are judgment-free zones for fashion. Comfort often wins over style, especially during finals week.

You’ll discover weird study habits

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Everyone develops their own study tricks. You might find you focus best with specific music, in certain spots on campus, or while eating particular snacks. Some people study best at 2 AM, others at dawn. You’ll figure out what works for you.

Adulting skills develop slowly

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Suddenly, you’re responsible for everything- laundry, bills, doctor appointments. It can be overwhelming. Don’t worry if you struggle at first. Everyone’s figuring it out. You’ll gradually become more independent and confident in handling adult tasks.

FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) is intense

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There’s always something happening on campus. Parties, events, study groups, club meetings- it’s impossible to do it all. You’ll have to learn to prioritize and accept that it’s okay to miss some things. FOMO is real, but so is burnout from trying to do everything.

Your relationship with home changes

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Going home for breaks can feel weird. Your old room might not feel like yours anymore. Relationships with high school friends might change. But you’ll also appreciate home in new ways. The family dinner you used to avoid might become something you look forward to.

All-nighters aren’t as cool as they seem

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Pulling an all-nighter to finish a paper or cram for an exam seems like a college rite of passage. But they’re actually terrible for your health and learning. You’ll probably do it at least once, but you’ll quickly learn that good time management is way better than no sleep.

You’ll grow more than you expect

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College isn’t just about getting a degree. You’ll learn about yourself, develop new interests, and grow as a person. Your views might change, you’ll face challenges that make you stronger, and you’ll discover strengths you didn’t know you had. The person who graduates is often very different from the freshman who started.

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Joy Fadogba

Joy Fadogba is a passionate writer who has spent over a decade exploring and writing about lifestyle topics. With a fondness for quotes and the little details that make life extraordinary, she writes content that not only entertains but also enriches the lives of those who read her blogs. You can find her writing on Mastermind Quotes and on her personal blog. When she is not writing, she is reading a book, gardening, or travelling.