Before I was in college, I often heard lots of stereotypes about college students, some good and some bad. As my freshman year of college is coming to a close, I feel as if I'm somewhat qualified to talk about some of the stereotypes I've discovered to be true. So, here are 14 of them:
1. We nap for irrational amounts of time.
Naps are essential for our well-being (it's actually psychologically proven!). Sometimes I nap without setting an alarm and wake up three hours later. Other times, I find myself setting an alarm for 11 minutes because it’s the only amount of free time I have.
2. We love free things.
My school had an event called WinterFest earlier this semester, and students lined up for about 40 minutes beforehand just because they promised a free Seton Hill themed beanie for the first 200 or so people. I'll admit, I was one of them, and if I say so myself, it's a pretty nice hat.
3. We run on caffeine.
Whether it be coffee, tea or pop (or soda for those not from around here), mostly everyone you meet needs some sort of caffeinated beverage to help them survive/get through the day.
4. Ramen, Easy Mac and Nutella are staples.
If you look in a college student’s food bin/closet, you’re guaranteed to find at least one of those three items. Although they’re not the best for you nutritionally, Ramen and Easy Mac are quick and tasty, and Nutella, well, it’s Nutella. It’s delicious and goes great with more things than you’d think.
5. We’re all exhausted, mentally and physically.
College is hard. I know that a lot of people think that kids in college only complain about college being hard because they don’t do their work, but it’s actually because we’re doing so much work that we become both physically and mentally exhausted.
6. We love animals.
When I’m at school, I miss my dog more than anything. So when my school has therapy dogs days, you can bet I (along with a bunch of others) am there.
7. We couldn't care less if the on-campus shuttle hit us.
"Maybe if it hit me, I wouldn’t have to go to class. Hit me, I dare you. Just do it.” It sounds kind of morbid, but hey, I know I’m not the only one who’s thought this.
8. We don’t sleep.
Whether it be from too much caffeine, too much homework or too much noise in the dorm (because some people don’t care about quiet hours), we just don’t sleep. Which is why the next day a nap is most likely already scheduled.
9. We dislike cleaning.
Whether it be vacuuming, washing dishes or doing laundry, they’re just more things we don’t want to do and/or don’t have time for.
10. We procrastinate. A lot.
Why do homework or productive things when you could watch Netflix, go on FaceBook or nap instead?
11. We’re broke.
Whether it be from impulsively buying items you think you need but really don't on Amazon or spending too much money on food, because sometimes the dining hall just isn’t that great, we’re typical broke college kids.
12. We love pizza.
The amount of times I've seen the Domino's delivery guy on campus should astound me, but now, it's a pretty normal occurrence. Plus, who doesn't love pizza?
13. We're obsessed with Netflix.
A quote by my roommate, Bianca, pretty much sums it up: “Everything is Netflix and nothing hurts.”
14. We show our school pride.
I'm pretty sure I wear one of my Seton Hill t-shirts or crewnecks at least once or twice a week, and I see countless other students on campus sporting school pride on the daily.
I'm not saying that these stereotypes are true for all college kids. Obviously stereotypes are just generalizations that people have about a large group of others. Although they apply to many of the people I've met and interacted with, they don't apply to all (which in some cases is a really good thing).
