‘[8] Ways [College Students] Think Differently’

By Tiffany

We recently stumbled upon this article, “21 Ways Rich People Think Differently.” In the article, the author describes how rich people think versus how the average person thinks. We thought it would be fun to put on our spin on it college style! Here are our ways that college students think differently. Let us know how you think!

1. Average people use their money for things they need like groceries and household supplies. College students use their money for wants like going out and concert tickets.

I’ve met a lot of people at school who may not have twenty dollars to buy printer ink, but I’ll see that same person at the bars slamming back drinks. Let’s be honest here, sometimes your social life is more a priority than eating a balanced meal. They make Ramen noodles for a reason.

2. Average people assess risks before they get involved with something. College students jump in head first.

One thing I’ve learned is that college is the place to do anything. There are so many opportunities and experiences to be had that it’s hard not to say yes before you’ve fully thought out the consequences and time commitments.

3. Average people plan ahead for the next week. College students plan for the night.

College kids don’t have a problem planning for the long run exactly, but planning in the short term is so much more appealing. It’s harder to think about what you’re doing next week when plans for hitting the bars that night are more exciting.

4. Average people get stressed out by approaching deadlines. College students see deadlines as a challenge to be mastered.

No one really has a reason to pull an all-nighter, but don’t tell that to a college kid. Most of my friends say that they thrive on the pressure of completing a project at the last minute, and I’d have to agree. Some of my best work has been BS-ing a project in the eleventh hour.

5. Average people end their day at 11:00 pm. College students think that the night has just begun.

Every time I go home, I realize that my parents go to sleep at like 10:00. That just does not work for me. Normally, I take a nap after class, so at 10:00 I’m on my second wind. No sleep for at least three more hours. Even if I’m not going out, I’m staying up.

6. Average people think that stealing is wrong. College students see stealing as resourcefulness.

Now, I don’t mean that college students legitimately steal items from stores or other people. What I do mean is that college students don’t see a problem in taking dishes from the dining hall, towels from the gym, and food from catered events. Not stealing per say, just being creative.

7. Average people drink in moderation. College students know their limits the next morning.

Freshman year it seemed like every story ended with, “and then I blacked out” or something equivalent. By senior year we say that we’re going to drink like an adult, stick to one type of alcohol, sip water in-between drinks…yea, you let me know who really does that.

8. Average people wash their clothes once a week. College students do their laundry once their underwear is gone.

Having my parents do my laundry is the one thing I really miss about living at home. Doing laundry in the dorms is expensive, time consuming, and half of my clothes end up torn or missing. I do laundry when I have absolutely nothing left.

[lead image via Alberto Zornetta/shutterstock.com]