5 Myths About College Life - Debunked!

"Taking a deep breath as I step onto this campus. Hello, future me!"— Unknown. 

I still remember the mix of bitter-sweet emotions as I waved goodbye to my family on move-in day. I wondered restlessly about what my college journey had in store for me. I had heard many tales about college experiences, but little did I know that blindly believing them was a mistake. In this blog, I take a look at five common myths about college life and separate fact from fiction.

Myth #1: You Have to Know Your Major Before You Start

If you are one of those individuals who have their entire career plan worked out in high school, you are definitely in the minority. 

Did You Know? About 80% of college students in the U.S. switch their major at least once. It’s normal, and it’s okay!

Stop trying to plan out the entirety of your 4 years as a freshman. Instead, think of your first year as a time to explore different fields and take advantage of the diverse set of general education courses and programs your college might offer in your first year.

One of the best ways to explore potential career paths is through hands-on learning and mentorship. Rather than waiting until college to dive into new subjects, students can gain real-world experience now by working on independent research projects with expert mentors. Programs like Polygence help students explore their academic passions through personalized mentorship, research, and interdisciplinary projects—giving them a head start in discovering what excites them before committing to a major.

Action Steps:

• Look for exploratory programs or first-year seminars at your school.

• Identify 2-3 areas that excite you and take a mix of intro-level courses.

• View your college catalog as a menu, not a to-do list.

Myth #2: You’ll Be Homesick All the Time

Missing the familiarity and comfort of your own home is natural. But the truth is, homesickness isn’t a constant burden—it’s usually more sporadic. More importantly, it is manageable as long as you acknowledge and accept it. 

What Helps?

1. Stay busy. Join a club, attend campus events, or explore the city around your school.

2. Create a connection to home. It’s okay to lean on your support system, but balance it with new experiences.

3. Seek help if needed. Campus counseling is always available.

Myth #3: If You Don’t Make Friends Immediately, You’re Doing College Wrong

Making friends is a journey, and it doesn’t happen overnight. Social media can amplify FOMO, and it is easy to believe that everyone else is having fun hanging out while you are still looking for your people. 

What’s important is to:

• Stay open to new connections (even if it’s awkward at first).

• Take your time - early acquaintances often evolve into deeper friendships.

• Participate in activities you like - you will meet like minded people

Myth #4: College Is All About Parties

Parties are only one small piece of a much larger puzzle. There are tons of options including community service, clubs, and even study groups that you can choose from to socially connect with your peers.

Try This Instead:

• Do: Attend campus-sponsored events—many schools host fun activities like movie nights, trivia, or outdoor festivals.

• Don’t: Feel pressure to party just because others are doing it. Find what makes you happy.

Myth #5: Professors Don’t Care About Their Students

Most of us are afraid to approach teachers and professors as we believe that the questions we might be asking are not up to par. Also, professors have a reputation of being distant which further deters us from asking them for help. The reality could not be more different. Professors want to see students succeed and will help when reached out to. They are especially motivated when students want to discuss academic interests. If their schedule is busy, you can always reach out to TAs (teaching assistants) who are an incredible resource for help with coursework.

How to Build Connections:

• Introduce yourself early in the semester and attend office hours regularly.

• Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification or advice—they’ll appreciate your initiative.

• Show genuine interest in their subject area; it’s a great way to form meaningful academic relationships.

Final Thoughts

College is a time for exploration and personal growth. Remember, your journey doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s—it just has to feel right for you.

While college is a time for growth and exploration, traditional education alone may not provide the guidance and hands-on experiences needed to fully prepare for future careers. Many students feel lost in large lecture halls or struggle to connect courses to real-world applications.

That’s why mentorship and project-based learning can make a huge difference. Working with an experienced mentor through Polygence can help students gain real-world skills, explore career interests, and build confidence—whether through research projects, STEM exploration, or interdisciplinary learning. By taking control of your learning journey now, you can set yourself up for success in college and beyond.