Going to College

College is not like high school. No one really cares if you attend lectures or do your academic work (i.e. papers etc). It is up to you to be responsible and driven. College puts such a work load on you, they force you to prioritize your efforts and sacrifice some marks for the sake of others. For many it will be the first time away from home and a chance to spread their wings. Some fail to do so, some fail to prioritize and some fail to be serious. At college there are fraternities and sororities and other groups. The parties you see in movies such as “Old School”, “Animal House” or “Road Trip” do actually take place. I’ve attended them in the past. Most students go to College as children and graduate as adults. Many find their significant other during these years. The parties and events are needed to release stress as there is such tension in pursuit of academic excellence. The biggest parties occur post exams.

Donald Sutherland’s memories of Gate House toga parties (Victoria College) inspired the movie animal house.  Love the toga party!

Ontario Colleges (especially historic colleges) have 4 exterior walls forming a quad. The grass square within the walls is where college activities typically take place. Albeit, in times of winter, events occur within the building itself. The outdoor parties are the ones I remember best. Holding a drink under the stars, talking with my friends after writing all my exams.

There were also other great events and historic traditions. Such a good time. If you get the chance to pursue a college education, it is less about the degree than you think and more about the journey and transition. You will leave college a better person, more experienced and more knowledgeable. You will leave with great memories and have the ability to embrace your dreams.

U of T College Parade (frosh week) is pictured above with each of the colleges decked out in their colours.

The video above has Donald Sutherland doing a U of T promo. Start as frosh and become?

Note: When I went to college in the early nineties the programs that exist today were not in place. Seek help if under financial pressure. Today, colleges take financial aid seriously.