When you find the college you want to attend, you're in love, and everything about it seems right. Unfortunately, as the years go on you'll realize that many of the "facts" you were presented with during the campus tours and in college guidebooks were candy-coated half-truths. Since you'll be finding out the "facts" eventually anyway, there's no harm in telling you now.

What they say: We have computer labs (and printers!) on campus that students can use between classes and after-hours.
What they mean: See these? Ha, good luck using them when you need it the most.
The reality: Many schools like to tout their computer facilities and you will be able to use them -- just not necessarily when you need to, and they won't always have the programs you need. (Some labs may be for Internet research only and others for working on documents.) Computer labs on campus also tend to fill up quickly around midterms and finals as students without their own computers -- and those who just procrastinate -- rush to finish their papers five minutes before class starts. And no matter how many printers/copiers they say they have, there will always be a few that are broken, a few that won't accept your cash, and the one working machine with a 10-minute line.
Our advice: Don't wait until the last minute! Have your papers and work done well before the deadline to avoid the rush. A day can mean the difference between a packed computer lab and a half-empty one with plenty of printers and paper.

What they say: There's a 15-minute break between scheduled classes, giving you plenty of time to get what you need and arrive on time.
What they mean: I hope you know how to fly.
The reality: Fifteen minutes seems like a long time, so you won't be bothered at first when you schedule back-to-back classes -- that is, until the real work begins. Professors have a tendency to hold you past the official class end-time and the hallways, stairs, and elevators can get crowded as students make their mad-dash to their next class. You'll manage to make it in time (mostly) but be warned: you won't have a chance to stop for food or much else.
Our advice: Two classes in a row is a cakewalk, but anything over that and you're pushing both your endurance and your attention span.

What they say: We have prestigious professors from A, B, and C, and you'll never be taught by a graduate student --
What they mean: -- except for things like intro courses, recitations, and lectures where the professor is unable to teach due to a general inability and/or lack of attendance.
The reality: Don't get us wrong, you will have some great professors over the years, but you will have to rely on graduate teachers more than colleges let on. Lectures can be too big to allow for one-on-one learning, so many times smaller study classes (called recitations) are organized and led by graduate students. Despite what you may think, these can be the best places to learn. Grad students know what it's like to try to decipher what a professor means and can break things down for you in easy-to-understand ways. They'll also know your name and be available to help via e-mail and office hours.
Our advice: Don't sweat not having Prof. Big Name during your freshman year, but don't be surprised either.

What they say: This is our college bookstore where you'll purchase whatever texts you need for your courses. If you want to save cash, you can buy the used editions.
What they mean: Buy the overpriced editions at the college bookstore and put more money into the school.
The reality:OK, some schools do need whatever extra funding they can get, but that can put a serious strain on your purse when you're looking at a required reading list with 12 different titles on it. The used pile of books at your campus store goes quickly and it's usually not discounted enough to warrant you shopping there. Some professors and instructors also change their reading lists over the course of the term, so you're better off asking them which books you need right away and which you can afford to hold off on.
Our advice: Head instead to online retailers like DealOz and don't rush to buy all of your books right away.

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