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8 Signs You’re Living the Authentic College Life

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at KU chapter.

With college comes a set of expectations that you didn’t exactly sign up for. Think of this as sort of the “Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide” to college except we are all both struggling and surviving together, but never fear, for these are signs that you are living the authentic college experience. We are all in this together—cue high school musical.

 

1. Your diet consists of microwave mac and cheese and dining hall ice cream

                It’s truly a college blessing and a curse. Remember those days when Mom would beg you to eat veggies and clean your plate? The cleaning the plate part isn’t quite a problem but who is to tell you not to eat mac and cheese every night? And then to top it off with an unlimited supply of ice cream? You’re living the life.

 

2. You have a Fitbit

                Right off the bat you assume the bus is your friend but here is a magical tip, not everyone can fit on the bus and walking takes almost the exact same amount of time as waiting for the third round of buses to come through. Obviously, you need a Fitbit to count all of those steps. Then you can add your roomies as friends and before you know it you’re having roommate step races on the daily. Watch out, these competitions could cause some scary competitive sides to emerge and maybe… even end some friendships…

 

3. Sleep is both a virtue and unnecessary

                It’s a constant battle between “sleep is for the weak, stay up until 3 a.m.” and “sleep as long as possible before you need to get up and run to class.” You value sleep as much as your dog but at the same time you could be going on two days with only a total of 5 hours of sleep. Why go to sleep when you could stay up and live your life, right? Sleep schedule? What is that?

4. You drink more caffeine than you breathe air

                Along with sleep deprivation, comes a necessity for caffeine. Whether it is Monster, Red Bull, lattes, black coffee, or a triple venti latte with as much carmel in it as possible, it is in your blood and veins almost 24/7. Everyone has their drink of choice, as long as it has caffeine and it tastes good, this is your college lifeline when an exam or a last minute essay rolls around. Some water would be nice every once in a while, probably…

5. You practically live in large sweatshirts and blankets

                There are several reasons for this. The first, is because if you’re not dressing comfy, you’re not dressing right. Practically any college girl can be found in black leggings and a t-shirt 3 sizes larger than necessary. High school may have been a fashion show but now, college is all about comfort. The second reason, besides comfort, we have to face the fact that dorm rooms are absolutely freezing. It doesn’t matter how many times you change the thermostat all the way up to “warm,” it is ice cold, and you have 3 shirts on and double the blankets wrapped around you at all times.

6. You always wear a baseball cap

Baseball caps are not only cute, but practical. Bad hair day? Baseball cap. Windy day? Baseball cap. Haven’t washed your hair in a few days? Wear a baseball cap, girl. The odds are, if you compliment a girl on her hat, she will probably respond with, “thanks! I was having a bad hair day.” Or any of the other above. Plus, you have to sport your sorority, club, or university!

7. You have Spotify Premium

                If you don’t have Spotify Premium at this point, you are only cheating yourself. First off, as a student you only have to pay $4.99 a month rather than the usual $9.99. And you can utilize it anywhere. On the go while walking to class, while studying, and especially with car jam sessions with friends. You have access to any song you love, countless radio stations, you can make playlists for studying, exercising, parties, or whatever you please. Sign up ASAP!

8. You exclusively wear college gear

                School spirit is the only way to dress. The high school t-shirts are buried and now you only leave the dorm or house with a university or college shirt on. It just feels wrong if you aren’t supporting what you do and love, right? Especially when it is one of those oversized Comfort Colors shirts! The best part is, you can wear campus gear anywhere and fit in! Represent!

 

 

 

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My name is Grace, I am 18 years old, and I am currently studying Spanish and Journalism at KU. I'm originally from Omaha, NE and a few of my passions are travel, writing, art, reading, and telling stories. I aspire to travel the globe and my life is mainly centered around figuring out the world. Whether that be languages, traveling, or hearing from other people about their experiences, I love to seek and connect. I hope to share my stories while also be influenced by some of yours! Never stop being curious and do what you love!