8 Kinds of People You'll Meet In College Based On Your Favorite Movies
©Universal/Courtesy Everett Collection1/9College is a magical yet utterly confusing world that you're expected to navigate pretty much on your own. Many of you have preconceived notions of the types of people you'll meet during your time at school and a lot of that comes from years of watching movies like Old School, Neighbors, and Legally Blonde before even stepping foot on campus. The good news is all frat guys are not that vindictive and all sorority girls are not actually that mean. Take those films with a grain of salt as most of them are heightened realities for our viewing pleasure. To help prepare you for what's actually ahead, here is a list of the types of people you may encounter based on our favorite college- and high school-themed films.
©Universal/Courtesy Everett Collection2/9A Cappella Girls a la Pitch Perfect
Don't be fooled; the a cappella club is not a bunch of people standing in a circle singing songs with no music. OK, so it is but in college it's not weird at all. We promise. While extracurricular activities felt like chores in high school to boost your college resume, in college they're the opposite and are purely for fun and meeting new people with similar interests. Just look at Beca — finding the Barden Bellas elevated her college experience in more ways than she could ever imagine. The friends you meet through your club share similar passions and interests and will likely be your friends for life.
©Sony Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection3/9College Athletes a la 22 Jump Street
Seeing a school athlete on campus is the closest thing to spotting a celeb. And if you can't spot them from their height or size, they'll likely be wearing their team uniform and sitting in a giant group in the cafeteria. Don't let their size scare you off; college athletes are extremely dedicated, hard working, and driven to be the best at their sport all to get noticed by the professionals. Don't mind if they are a bit grumpy too, many have 5 a.m. practices each day before class.
©Universal/Courtesy Everett Collection4/9Frat Boys a la Neighbors
These are the guys you'll love to hate. There are lots of boys who decide to join fraternities once they get to college and a main reason is for the built-in friendship and social life that comes along with it. Movies love to portray frat bros as brainless party animals that sit around, ditch class, and sexualize women. That can be pretty exaggerated for the sake of Hollywood. Still, always use your best judgment at college parties (especially when there is alcohol involved) and stay with your girlfriends who you can trust throughout the night.
©MGM/Courtesy Everett Collection5/9Sorority Sisters a la Elle Woods
Similar to frat guys, sorority girls get a bad rep from movies. There are some girls who go to college with their eyes set on joining a sorority they have family legacy with and decide to only socialize within their house. But in reality, many girls join because of the strong network of women and philanthropy opportunity it provides. Just look at Elle Woods and her sisters of Delta Nu: they showed us how having a loyal group of women behind you can always come in handy.
©Columbia Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection6/9Genius Visionaries a la The Social Network
Your classroom is bound to be filled with greatness. You never know if you'll be sitting with the next Mark Zuckerberg or Larry Page. In today's world, young students are creating apps and inventions in their dorm rooms and if we learned anything from The Social Network it's to trademark your ideas ASAP. Your plan for a cookie delivery service at 3 a.m. might just take off.
©Sony Pictures/Everett Collection / Everett Collection7/9Dedicated Musicians a la Whiplash
You'll recognize the music students because they'll likely be hanging out in the arts building or lugging their instrument up campus hills. Music majors are some of the hardest working people you'll meet in college. They are there to perfect their craft and their schedules can be grueling with rehearsals all night long. Cheer them on at their recitals so when they become famous you can say, 'I knew them when…'
©Paramount/Courtesy Everett Collection / Everett Collection8/9Devoted Activists a la Election
Whether they are campaigning for class president, freedom of speech, or fighting for sustainability, campus activists love to remind everyone that their cause is the most important one. If it's your roommate or best friend leading the movement, you'll likely have to get involved whether you like it or not. Just like college athletes or music majors, the politically driven men and women on your campus are determined to get their message heard far and wide.
©Columbia Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection9/9Life-Changing Professors a la Mona Lisa Smile
The power of a good mentor is priceless. When you finally find a subject you want to pursue, one advantage of going to college (among many) is that you get to study that subject with some of the brightest minds in the field. College professors are an incredible resource and can have the ability to change your entire life. Many college professors hold office hours and extend open invitations to their homes for lecture nights and book clubs. You'll be surprised how one good teacher can lead you on a path you didn't know you were ever capable of.
