Navigating college is no small feat, and the insights available through social media platforms like Instagram can provide a unique perspective. As parents, we often have our own experiences of college life, but those experiences may not reflect the current reality that students face.
When my partner and I enjoyed a carefree lifestyle thanks to our fantastic babysitter, Jenna, life was easy. We could indulge in late-night outings, confident in our childcare arrangement. However, as summer came to an end and Jenna returned to her studies, our social calendar took a hit. We promised to stay connected via social media, never imagining the ways it could influence our perceptions of collegiate life.
One evening in October, my partner called me over to see something intriguing on the laptop. To my surprise, there was Jenna on Facebook, presenting a side of college life that was far from what we had envisioned. Posing with a cigarette, a bong, and dressed in revealing clothing, she was captured in moments that left little to the imagination. While I instinctively wanted to distance myself from this raw portrayal, it became clear that high school students today are utilizing similar unfiltered accounts on Instagram to inform their college choices.
A student quoted in a recent article expressed, “It’s like getting a tour of the school from a real student, not just a paid guide.” This perspective allows prospective students to see beyond the polished image portrayed by admissions offices and experience a genuine glimpse into campus life.
With Instagram’s rise in popularity since 2010, the current college class has been the first to document their entire high school journey online, making the transition to observing college students’ experiences a logical next step. Students can explore where to hang out, discover the best dorms, and learn about the social scene—often concentrated around Thursday nights.
To discover these candid accounts, begin by visiting a college’s official Instagram page, then explore geotagged locations and specific hashtags related to the school. This will lead you to a wealth of images shared by current students. If the terminology feels foreign to you, it may be time to consider your own college application journey.
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In summary, social media, particularly Instagram, has transformed how prospective students view college life. It provides a real, unfiltered glimpse into the experiences of current students, enabling informed decisions about college choices.