Seven myths about universities debunked

Not everything people say about studying at university is true. Students are bombarded from all sides with information about what it’s like to start studying at university. But many of these claims are nothing more than myths. University students debunk the most commonly believed ones.

You’ll miss high school

You’ll probably never even think about high school again. Most people in their teenage years have no idea who they are, what values they have, or what they want to do in life. Sitting in a classroom for eight hours a day, five days a week doesn’t exactly help them figure it out.

“University is much better than high school because it brings true freedom. University means a fresh start, and each year offers something new,” a student confirms on Reddit.

You’ll miss high school

Another myth. What you did in high school has absolutely no impact on your university life. For example, if you ran the school newspaper and are now studying journalism, you’ll still have to take the required courses like everyone else.

Your achievements and triumphs matter only when you are going through the application process. Once you’re in, no one cares. “As soon as you’re accepted to university, your high school grades won’t matter anymore,” says user foursheetstothewind.

It’s good news for people who didn’t have the best grades, didn’t have many friends, or had a bad reputation for some reason. At university, you can start with a clean slate.

You’ll be surrounded by mature and responsible people

Just because your classmates are legal adults doesn’t mean they’ll act like it. University students can be just as reckless, silly, passive-aggressive, and sometimes outright crazy as high schoolers. They won’t always agree with you, and they’ll often have different ideas, problems, and priorities. Some won’t hesitate to stab you in the back.

This doesn’t mean you can’t find amazing friends, but don’t expect every student to be a good person. The fact that someone was accepted to university doesn’t automatically make them a kind-hearted genius.

You’ll constantly have to ask your parents for money

Some students can’t manage without family support. But most can handle things on their own—whether by having part-time jobs, scholarships, or both.

Starting university often means you’ll have to learn, probably for the first time in your life, how to live on a budget. “My parents never sent me money during my studies,” says user holiestcannoly. “They told me to work over the summer and save up.”

User Remarkable-Grab8002 agrees: “My parents couldn’t afford to help me, and I had to figure it out myself. I think it taught me responsibility.”

Homework will be harder

If you’re lucky enough to pick a field of study that genuinely interests you, doing homework won’t be nearly as painful as it was in high school. Just remember how much you dreaded assignments from your least favourite subject!

At university you generally have more time for homework, and it is related to subjects you chose and care about. User Chattypath747 put it perfectly: “University is much easier because you learn things you actually want to.”

Teachers are more strict

There are some exceptions but in general teachers at universities aren’t stricter than in high school. At university, they usually make time to communicate, especially if you’re going through a tough situation. Teachers understand that adults sometimes face difficulties, and most will be willing to accommodate you if you ask politely.

“During a mandatory philosophy exam, I totally blanked and only wrote down half of what the professor required. He graded the test right in front of me and still let me pass because I always sat in the front row and paid attention in class. Not all teachers are sadistic tyrants,” says former student Vendula.

Grades matter

Grades are not the most important thing. For some, the most valuable university experience is meeting inspiring people; for others, it’s gaining practical experience that will help them get the right job. Some people finally learn how to study properly.

As another Reddit user notes: “In the real world, nobody cares about your GPA, and no one will ask about it. Employers only care if you have a degree and work experience.”