When you think of fighting to the death, starvation, corrupt government officials and revolution, college is probably not the first thing that comes to your mind. These very elements make up the storyline of the ever-so-popular series, The Hunger Games, which has captured millions of readers and moviegoers all over the world. Even though college students aren’t put in a gory arena on a daily basis, college does have many notable similarities to The Hunger Games series. We share many of the same characteristics and stresses with the tributes. As you prepare to head to the movies to see The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1 Friday (or at midnight if you just can’t wait to see Peeta for that long), check out this list of how enrolling in college is similar to competing in the Hunger Games.
1. We volunteered.
Just as Katniss volunteered in the place of her sister, we willingly volunteer to undertake the torments of college in order to further our education.
2. Districts are like the different colleges within a university.
Just like districts, each college specializes in something different — everything from fishing and agriculture to transportation and mining. We’ve got it all.
3. Professors are like mentors.
The same way Haymitch is there to aid Katniss and Peeta through the games, our professors are there to guide us through our college years and push us toward graduation.
4. Making friends can be hard.
It’s tough to adjust when you first start college, but as you settle in, you will make new friends you share many traits with.
5. You must choose wisely when selecting your allies.
As soon as your professor announces a group project, you must strategically pick your partners because they can make or break your final grade.
6. The first party is a weird experience.
Just like the first Capitol party Katniss and Peeta attended, your first college party is a unique experience — people are dressed in funny outfits and drinking strange things. All you can do is grin and bear it.
7. Awkward love triangles exist.
You can’t escape them in the games, and you can’t escape them in real life. Are you team Peeta or team Gale?
8. Sometimes you just need to scream.
Stress levels can get high in college and can cause students to have breakdowns from time to time. Sometimes just screaming is the perfect remedy.
9. May the odds be ever in your favor, especially during finals week.
You need all the luck you can get in order to get out of finals week, let alone the Starbucks line at the library, alive.
10. Sometimes you feel like a failure.
College can get the best of your emotions and can make you beat up on yourself, but you have to believe that you’re going to make it.
11. There’s only one goal.
College is all about survival. Only the best make it to graduation and the real world.
12. We’re all united. [Cue the three-finger hand symbol.]
Just as the districts use a hand symbol to show they stand united, here at UF we show we are unified with a Gator Chomp.
Although college isn’t exactly like competing in the Hunger Games, it can still be a scary experience. However, if Katniss and Peeta can make it out of the games alive (twice), then you can make it through college. Remember to choose your allies wisely, make good use of your mentors, and focus on staying alive. You’ll be set to graduate in no time. May the odds be ever in your favor, collegiettes.