As much as we complained about assignments and exams, when we look back on our college days, sometimes it feels like life was a never-ending vacation. Then we graduate, and suddenly we realize life doesn’t consist of spending 24/7 with besties and that FOMO is how we feel about our social life in general, not just how we feel when skipping out on a frat party one weekend. What is it that changes, exactly, the moment we turn our tassels and settle into life as graduettes? Here are a few things.
1. In college, you’re excited about your newfound independence and are ready for a good time.
In the real world, you feel overwhelmed because there are too many responsibilities and you can’t even.
2. In college, you’re surrounded by a bunch of other twentysomethings, and life is a party.
In the real world, you’re surrounded by a bunch of 50-year-old coworkers.
3. In college, your wardrobe doubles because your fashionable roommate lets you wear her clothes.
In the real world, your wardrobe goes back to whatever is in your closet… which is lacking, because more than half your paycheck goes to rent.
4. In college, you have access to a free gym, but never took advantage of it.
In the real world, you pay a pretty penny for a gym membership and still never take advantage of it.
5. In college, going out is a nightly ritual.
In the real world, going out is a rare occasion. You’d rather stay in and watch an SVU marathon because you’re tired.
6. In college, you feel like the most popular girl on campus.
In the real world, making friends is a challenge and you feel #foreveralone.
7. In college, you have an unlimited supply of food at your fingertips.
In the real world, you’re broke, so you only feast when your parents visit once a year.
8. In college, you drink to get drunk.
In the real world, you drink one glass of wine and fall asleep on the couch.
9. In college, there are so many guys—being single is so. Much. Fun.
In the real world, you realize it’s a lot harder to meet guys, and being single is the worst.
10. In college, spring break is a week full of sunshine, fruity drinks and dancing.
In the real world, spring break is when you’re stuck at work, getting serious FOMO from looking at your Facebook News Feed.
11. In college, you get to wear a sexy costume on Halloween.
In the real world, you get to sit on your porch and pass out candy.
12. In college, you pull all-nighters and don’t schedule anything before noon on Fridays.
In the real world, you go to bed by 10 p.m. every night because you have to wake up early and go to work—yes, even on Fridays.
13. In college, you spend your weekends catching up on homework.
In the real world, you spend your weekends catching up on laundry.
14. In college, you have group projects, which are supposed to prepare you for the real world.
In the real world, you have conference calls, and you still don’t get what anyone is saying.
15. In college, you figure out what you want to be when you grow up.
In the real world, you realize what really matters in life.