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6 Differences Between High School and College

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Jennifer McElroy Student Contributor, University of Tampa
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Tampa Contributor Student Contributor, University of Tampa
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Tampa chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

While the transition from high school to college may seem intimidating and nerve-racking, there are so many beneficial changes in the new world of being a college student. It is a time to make new friends and memories, learn more about yourself than ever before, become proficient in a certain field of study, and at the same time stay sane!  While it can be a lot to juggle, here are some of the best advantages of being a college student.

1. Permission to use the bathroom

Forgot that awkward pause in the middle of the class discussion about Hamlet, having to raise your hand to ask your English teacher if you can use the restroom.  In college, the professors do not care, and you can just go at your bladder’s desire during class.

2. Cell-phone usage

No more detention slips for checking your messages or Snapchat in class. In college, you can use your cellphone whenever you want to, even in class, but it may not be to your best advantage to be glancing at your news feeds while your professors are giving lectures about vital information that will appear on the next exam.

3. No lockers

Instead of decorating and fitting all of your belongings in a small locker located in the hallway, you can completely personalize and decorate your dorm room or apartment in college. Just be careful how you decorate because you do not want to be charged any damage fees.

4. Your own schedule  

In high school you are dictated to a 7:30 am- 2:30 pm schedule everyday filled with seven classes back-to-back and a quick 25 minute lunch period. In college, most classes last from one to four hours, depending on what you signed up for, and you can eat, sleep, complete homework and be involved in activities whenever you want. The only time you have scheduled is class and work.

5. Far from family, but close to friends

While in high school, most teenagers live with their parents, and only see their friends at school or during the weekends. While in college it is definitely the opposite! You are constantly surrounded by your friends and classmates, and very seldom get to see your parents, unless you are Skyping them or it happens to be winter or summer break.

6. Freedom with clothes

While most public high schools have dress code rules and private institutions definitely have uniforms, most, if not all, colleges do not have a strict dress code. It is a free for all, but I do not recommend showing up to your psychology lecture dressed in a bathing suit, short-shorts, and flip flops. Not a good way to impress the teacher and begin with a good start! 

Photo Credits: CP, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6

Jennifer McElroy is currently a Senior earning a degree in Communications and a double minor in Advertising and Applied Dance. She has resided in Florida for most of her life and lives in the sunny and beautiful Sarasota. When Jennifer is not in dance rehearsals or stuck in her room doing homework, she enjoys going to the gym, shopping, spending quality time with friends, and eating cookies.