The College Experience: TikTok vs. Reality I f you’ve ever scrolled through TikTok’s #collegelife or #dormlife tags, you’ve probably seen the highlight reel of to experience everything college has to offer. Why not do it with a pretty GPA? BY MADISON VOORHIES PHOTO BY FREEPIK.COM
questionable carpets, and communal bathrooms that make you rethink ever going barefoot. Sure, some students go all out with their setups, but keeping a dorm this pristine is nearly impossible— especially when you’re sharing it with a roommate whose idea of “clean” is secluding their dirty laundry and dishes to their side of the room. Expectation: Effortless Academic Success TikTok’s “studytok” scene is full of students taking meticulous notes in perfect handwriting, using pastel highlighters, and sipping matcha lattes while classical music plays softly in the background. The vibe? Calm, productive, and stress-free. Reality: Late-Night Cram Sessions and Academic Panic In reality, college academics are a whirlwind of last-minute cramming, panicking over forgotten deadlines, and bargaining with yourself about how little sleep you can survive on before an 8 a.m. lecture. Study sessions often involve messy notes, half-drunk energy drinks, and the crushing realization that you should’ve started studying weeks ago. Pro tip: Try to establish a solid study routine early on. If done correctly, you’ll have a full four years
Expectation: Parties Every Weekend, Social Life on Fire From Greek life ragers to themed dorm parties, TikTok makes it seem like every weekend is an endless cycle of fun, complete with neon lights, great music, and an effortlessly cool friend group. Reality: Some Great Nights, Some Netflix Nights Yes, parties exist, but they aren’t always the cinematic experience TikTok makes them out to be. Sometimes they’re overcrowded and sweaty, sometimes they get shut down by campus police, and sometimes you’d rather stay in and binge-watch a show in your pajamas. The reality? College social life is a mix of great nights out, awkward encounters, and plenty of quiet nights in. Not every college student loves a rager, and universities offer plenty of other extracurriculars to keep you occupied. Expectation: Instant Best Friends and a Built-In Support System TikTok often shows college students forming deep friendships right away— laughing in dining halls, going on
college life: picture-perfect dorm rooms, effortlessly stylish students walking to class with iced coffees in hand, and friend groups straight out of a sitcom. From aesthetic study sessions to wild weekend parties, TikTok paints college as an exciting, glamorous, and carefully curated experience. But does it really look like that in real life? Not exactly. While TikTok captures some aspects of college, it often exaggerates or omits the messy, unfiltered reality. Let’s break down the biggest differences between TikTok’s version of college and what it’s actually like. Expectation: Aesthetic Dorms Straight Off Your Pinterest Board TikTok dorm tours showcase string lights, plush bedding, color-coordinated décor, and spotless organization. Every inch of space seems optimized for coziness and productivity, making it look like a dream home away from home. Reality: Cramped Chaos with Questionable Air Quality Most freshmen move into tiny, outdated dorms with cinder block walls,
32 MAY2025 | BRPARENTS.COM
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