Writing Tips

College Oriented Stories

You know what college is? It's hell, but also heaven.

I'm a senior now based on credit hours, also by year in college. Soon will graduate once I pass all my exams this upcoming year.

I understand having stories set in college is fun.

But for those who are still in high school or are people who never attended a college with dorms, then there's some news for you.

Dorms come in different styles.

We have suites, community, and apartment.

And depending on college, they may not have all three choices.

At least at my university, we have all three options. But apartments are only for undergraduates and graduated who will be junior or higher the come the fall semester.

The other types are for all.

Sometimes meal plans are a thing for colleges. I had one for two years and dropped it once I got an apartment on campus. Once in the apartment I'd go to grocery stores and buy food an cook it myself (because food on campus is super expensive).

Some colleges have buffet style eating. Others don't.

For parties... depends on what party you're doing.

I had slumber parties freshman year with other girls on my dorm floor. We would just hang out in pajamas, play card games, and sometimes watch a movie on one of our laptops.

There's parties hosted by universities. My university held a "ball" which is the equivalent to prom. Barely anyone would go though since no one can afford $600 dresses or suits lol (unless their parents can afford it of course)

Then, the most common... Sorority and Frat parties. I don't go to them because they're true to the stereotype. If you're writing one, people usually get drunk at these and smoke weed (weed is a variable on location too). There are hookups, and sadly, sometimes people get raped. These parties are usually more at public colleges/universities too. I don't know the statistics for private ones.

A lot of writing for college oriented stories should also depend on what classes your character takes. Minimum is one credit (usually a PE class or a lab) while there is no max on credits to take, but the average college student (who is straight from high school/no children/no career) takes 12-15 credits. Most colleges count one class as 3 credits too. Time ranges from 8am start to latest start being 8:30pm (usually night time commuters take these courses).

Also determine if your character has a job on campus.

When you calculate this stuff, then you can make a grid of when your character isn't in class, clubs, or at their college job. It helps to determine when they will have free time.

I say this as sometimes the schedule gets broken and a reader will go "wait, don't they have their math class at this time?" It's important to think of the schedule for your characters.

Depending on how in-depth the story is with college, you may have them focus on keeping their gpa up or focusing on their homework a lot too. Homework amount depends on year, class intensity, and their major, so research the major your character has so you know how to make them slack or stay on top of their work if you include that information in your story.

I'm not sure what else to note here for what you should think about and consider for a book that takes place at college... If there's anything I didn't cover, please ask below!