Back To School Expectations Vs. Reality Told By 'The Office' Characters | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Education

Back To School Expectations Vs. Reality Told By 'The Office' Characters, The Only Friends You Aren't Leaving Behind

You just have to roll with the punches.

54
Back To School Expectations Vs. Reality Told By 'The Office' Characters, The Only Friends You Aren't Leaving Behind

Summer is bittersweetly coming to a close, and whether you're overjoyed to go back to school, or agonizing over the thought of it, it's about that time to face the reality that is the return to college. In life, things for the most part never go as expected, and the return to school is certainly no exception. From packing to moving in and even to the first day of classes, things will most probably not go as planned but that's what keeps things interesting.

Here are a few things that may not go exactly how you anticipated them too; as told by the office characters.

Packing

Giphy

Expectation: okay I mean how long could packing really take? You decide to put it off for as long as you possibly can. all you have to do is throw your clothes in some bins and get all of the stuff you used last year from storage, right?

Reality: Wrong. You waited until the last minute to pack and you highkey are hating yourself for it. When and where did you get so many clothes? and makeup? And accessories? And SHOES?? how are you supposed to decide what to bring and what to leave? Will you need that one obnoxiously sparkly top you got in 7th grade that you've literally never worn?? Hard to know, but you better bring it just in case.

Saying Your Goodbyes

Giphy

Expectation: Goodbyes are always difficult. First your friends and then your family, but it's nice knowing you had the opportunity to enjoy all of summer with them. Regardless, there will be lots of hugs and potential crying.

Reality: You say your see you soons, give your hugs, and then you are on your way. You're obviously sad to leave your family and friends from home, but Thanksgiving break is going to sneak up on ya. You'll be back home soon and they're all only a text message, Snapchat, or FaceTime away.

Campus Food

Giphy

Expectation: Most of the time every college student's worst nightmare is campus food. French fries, mac and cheese, and soft-serve ice cream galore. The food is potentially one of the worst parts of college because you are never satisfied with your options and refuse to eat pizza every day in hopes of avoiding the Freshman 15 (which is SOO real)

Reality: By no means is it five-star dining or comparable to mom and dads home cooked meals, but you get a system going. You now know what you like and what you don't like, when to eat healthy and when you feel you can treat yourself. It may have taken some trial and error, but you've finally got a system figured out.

Class & Homework

Giphy

Expectation: Syllabus week is a breeze and thanks to rate my professors, your teachers seem cool. As long as you keep up with your work it shouldn't be so bad. You may even be able to make the dean's list!

Reality: "If you haven't read chapters one through five, you're already behind," your teacher says on the first day. Do they think we don't have lives? Maybe this semester won't be as easy as you thought it would. By the time you've reached the end of Syllabus Week you already have had three pop quizzes, and more homework than you imagined. But hey you made it through the first week, it should get better from here, right?

Your Room

Giphy

Expectation: Obviously your room won't be anything fancy, whether you're living on campus or in an off-campus apartment. You're so excited to decorate though and make it your new home away from home.

Reality: This tiny box is what they call a room? I feel like an animal trapped in a cage. They must think I am because in no sense is it logical for a human being to live in this space. By the end of unpacking though, you've somehow found the perfect place for everything and are very tired and hangry.

Social Life

Giphy

Expectation: You are in your element! Frat parties, date parties, themed parties, random parties in gross basements with free alcohol. Name it and you'll be there. You're only in college once so you might as well take full advantage of it.

Reality: As much as you want to rally for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, your professors have a much different idea. It's not all bad, and you do make time to go out, but sometimes after a long week of exams and projects, Netflix, your ugliest pajamas, and your favorite pint of ice cream sound so much better than getting ready and going out.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

190126
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

14842
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

457815
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26601
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments