School Life vs College Life

Graduating from high school is a long awaited achievement. Graduates are about to start the rest of their lives. The transition between high school and college is not just a mere increase in grade level; it is a change in so much more. University and high school are not the same. There are many more differences than similarities between college life and school life regarding timetables, regulations, and social life.  

Every system has a set timetable; however, the academic timetable changes from high school to college. During school years, there is a set schedule. Students go through a 7-hour school day with a set class schedule which requires mandatory attendance. In university, the amount of hours each day that a college student will attend depends on the classes scheduled for that day. In most universities the privilege to choose courses and course times are available. This lets the individual decide when they are going to attend. In the event that a schoolchild does miss class, they must schedule a time with the teacher to make up missed class work. When a teacher is unable to attend a class, they must find a substitute teacher to replace them. If a college student does not go to classes, they do not face any consequences; however, they are responsible for attaining all missed work from classmates. In the event that a teacher is not able to attend the class, instead of finding a replacement like in high school, the class is canceled for the day.

The restrictions of school rules and regulations are nonexistent during college life. During high school, students have to attend all classes on time. The dress code is very important to follow. Not following the dress code leads to serious consequences. University students are free to wear anything, since there is no dress code. To address a teacher, one must say "Sir or Mr." In reference to university teachers, they are "professors" and must be addressed by saying "Dr." Schoolchildren are also required to fill out permission slips for trips, movie viewings, and other activities that some parents might not approve of. University students do not need permission slips; all that is required is signing up and paying any required fees. Students are free to arrive on campus at any time that suits their schedule, and are also free to leave campus at any given time. They are not required to attend a strict 7-hour school day; which is required from school children. Despite the differences in the regulations, teachers and professors all go teach for the same reason, to teach students for them to learn and understand and excel in their education.

Social life changes from school life to college life. Socially, high school tries to encourage and aid student involvement, and interactions with the school and with peers. You constantly see a mix of people: in the cafeteria, around school, in clubs and groups. Schoolchildren receive encouragement to join clubs, socialize, and go to school sponsored events. Parents also have a very important role in the lives of high school students, for they volunteer during events; whereas, a college student receives less encouragement to be social. Because of the fact that lectures are places to learn new information, undergraduates are not given the time to meet their classmates as easily. It is up to them to make their own friends. Parents also have little involvement in their children's lives, for they do not volunteer for events, because most events are student run.

Therefore the step between high school and college is not a small one; students will experience a huge change. College life is something else completely: from different regulations to lenient timetables to a completely different approach at a social life. University is a lot more different than it is similar to high school life.