In high school, some teachers were hilariously optimistic about college life, often saying 'campus is fun.' Personally, I find that phrase incomplete; it should be 'Campus is fun if you have money.' They emphasized working hard to enjoy freedom, contrasting it with strict high school rules. But have you considered the consequences of freedom's misuse? Well, you can tell from some students' life.

So here we are! The first time you are admitted by your parent or guardian, you pay the fee, and if the required deposit is not reached, you may not join or communicate otherwise. Next, you have to decide whether to live in the hostels or be a non-resident student. However, some would consider making the decision way before joining or some will join and decide in the process of staying. I wouldn't deny the fact that some of us were pretty confused when joining as far as the shelter factor is concerned. Choosing friends can be easy for some, especially men, while it can be a problem for ladies. Having friends is very important because they are the ones that would remind you of a particular function in school or even update you on venue and time. In that same period before Orientation, a leader is appointed to lead the rest in communication between the teaching staff and students and do all the other leader obligations.

After a week, orientation is done for first years. Normally during this time, briefing is done, you are being introduced to different managerial staff, and all the staff in different departments. Also, you are being introduced to student organization leaders, and most importantly, being dedicated during a prayer service as you start your academic life in a tertiary institution. I must say that this happened in a university I was placed; others might be doing it differently. During this orientation time, you are also briefed on different programs that the University offers. The end objective of this function is to enable the student to familiarize oneself with the new environment, its rules, and what is expected of the students in this new set-up.

Unless you are serious and focused, you will not realize that you are in a learning institution. Higher education is characterized by training students to be innovative, inventive, and informed. However, I started by saying that high school teachers were absurd in their motivation for their students joining colleges. They instilled the spirit of lax and laziness to their students by asking them to work hard 'there' and relax 'here.' You can spend the whole semester relaxing and missing classes until the reality of the exam hits you out of nowhere. Now the aspect of fun can appear here: it is Friday, and you have some amount in your account, another friend too. The only thing that stands between you and the money is partying! But this does not apply to all the students anyway. This kind of behavior is assumed to result from the newly attained. However, keeping good company of friends can serve as the solution to evade this laxity. Also, high school 'fun' motivation should center around some seriousness in addressing major problems in society, like drought, through planting trees, irrigation to address food security, education the public on their political rights and so forth. By doing this, the graduates will show that the higher education they went in search of is functional to the community.

Besides, there are challenges affecting students, especially those from the lower or middle social class. Obviously, the financial challenge is the prominent one, fee clearance, appropriate learning devices for use in internet research like laptops or smartphones, and the 'fun' factor I'm about to discuss below. Fee payment is a serious matter and may result in one deferring the studies. The career is at risk, but all the same, even if you take long, eventually you'll graduate. Appropriate devices are also needed. During class, a lecturer may ask students to check something on the Internet, but those who lack proper smartphones may have a challenge on the same. Secondly, assignments are submitted in a printed form. So laptops are convenient in producing a printed document and even during typing as compared to smartphones. For convenient learning, one has to purchase such support systems. The 'fun' factor can be seen during the weekend. If you don't have money, you might not enjoy your leisure time, for example, partying.

This is relatable to introverted students who don't participate in sports or any other extra-curriculars and would consider using their leisure time partying. However, on Sunday evening, they have to reboot to the school system. The fun fact is that these weekend activities are considered fun until the exam fever approaches! It is at this very point that one realizes that he or she is in a learning institution.

Another outstanding experience is the food sector. Here catering services are offered just like any other restaurant—a variety of food and beverage is served, contrary to high school where a common type of food is served—Maize meal or githeri (a cooked fine mixture of maize and beans). In addition to the food situation on campus, you have to pay for the services and the meals because catering services are not inclusive of the school fees. The type of food you eat depends on your wallet's strength.

Peer pressure in college is at the peak. Ranging from lifestyle, relationships, academic performance, and so forth. This can have an impact on your grades and end up spending years in College balancing the Units to an equilibrium required for one to graduate. The best experience is one finding new friends and blending in together so perfectly. You support one another and got one another's back in times of difficulties.

What I always say is that, as long as you know your progress then you can deal with life pressure. A number of students have hopes in College degrees because they at least know that they will be different from others who don't have it socio-economically but this may also depend on individual efforts. In the above description; college life is progressive, as you progress the mind opens—you can have little experience living in that life but obviously, you can observe what is taking place and put into account. This has greatly affected the plot of this piece. I finish by saying, the 'fun' factor is there but after all, there is no fun in getting the best degree. You have to work to earn that best degree.

In conclusion, college life is a complex and transformative journey that encompasses far more than just fun and freedom. It involves navigating academic responsibilities, financial challenges, and social pressures while striving for personal growth and success. While the notion of freedom in college can be enticing, it comes with responsibilities and consequences. The experiences and decisions made during this period shape not only academic achievements but also personal development and future opportunities. Ultimately, achieving a degree requires dedication, hard work, and perseverance, highlighting the importance of balancing enjoyment with academic focus.