Freshman Fantasies vs. Campus Realities By: Taonga Volume

 

Coming from an all-girls school, I didn’t know what to expect when I got to university. I imagined myself finding a friend who would later turn out to be my bestie—someone I could trust with my deepest secrets, even help me bury a dead body if it came to that. I pictured entering my hostel room for the first time and meeting a roommate who would drag me into the party scene, pushing me out of my comfort zone. I dreamed of being part of a tight-knit, ride-or-die squad that stuck together through everything.

And, of course, I envisioned myself in a classic rom-com moment: bumping into the perfect guy with a beautiful smile and a dreamy face. He’d help me pick up my scattered books, and as our eyes locked, that would mark the beginning of an epic campus love story.

However, reality hit hard the moment I stepped on campus. I quickly wished I hadn’t believed those deceiving movies.

First, making friends was far from easy. Most people were already cliqued up with their high school buddies. My roommate? She was more interested in running her business than bonding with me. Forming squads wasn’t the effortless dream I had imagined—it required commitment and often came with random fights, petty jealousy over grades, and endless gossip. Soon enough, I realized that sometimes, solitude was better.

And then there were the boys. Oh, the boys. Turns out, campus romance wasn’t a fairytale—it was a jungle, especially for freshmen. Many senior students saw us as easy prey. That picture-perfect romantic moment? More often than not, it ended in heartbreak.

Here’s what I learned about the different types of boys you’ll meet:

1.      The Data Boys
These are the geniuses in your class, consistently topping the charts. You’ll find yourself relying on them for help with difficult assignments, and they’ll make you feel like your academic success hinges on their guidance. Sadly, they often lack social skills, especially around girls.

2.      The Flirts
These guys will call you Moma, shower you with snacks and lunch treats, and offer to take you out. But don’t be fooled—their ultimate goal is smashing and dashing.

3.      The Know-It-Alls
These ones act like they know more than the lecturers, constantly challenging everyone. Ironically, they often fail their exams.

4.      The Playful but Powerful
These boys seem to do everything except study, yet they always ace their exams. You’ll find them everywhere during the day, but they vanish at night.

5.      The Church Boys
They’ll preach the word to you and invite you to every Bible study, but unfortunately, Some of them struggle to balance school and faith, often falling short academically.

6.    The Laid-Back Guys

These guys are easygoing and rarely stress about school. They attend class, do just enough to pass, and believe in keeping things simple. They know that if they push themselves, they could achieve top grades, but they’re content with coasting through.

7. The Normal Boys, Here’s the truth: they don’t exist.

Finding your soulmate at university isn’t guaranteed. Instead, focus on exploring your  new environment, understanding yourself, and strategizing for academic success. Don’t rush into relationships or try to force your fantasies into reality.

University is a melting pot of diverse personalities and experiences. Peer pressure is real, and you’ll encounter temptations; drugs, alcohol, sex, and yes, more sex. If you’re not careful, you could easily lose focus.

Set clear goals and work diligently toward achieving them, no matter the distractions. Join a fellowship and cultivate a strong personal relationship with God. Stay true to yourself, and in the end, you’ll make both yourself and your family proud.

Written by Taonga Volume