What are the common elements in college orientation horror stories?

Well, at my college orientation, we had a team - building activity near a lake. I'm not a very outdoorsy person and was scared of water. They made us do a raft - building challenge that involved getting into the water. I was so nervous the whole time, fearing I'd fall in. And to make it worse, my team members were a bit pushy about it. They thought I was being a spoilsport but I was really just terrified.

Common elements include the use of campus legends. These are stories that have been passed down among students for years, and they often form the basis of horror stories. For instance, the legend of a student who died under mysterious circumstances and now haunts a particular building. Another element is the academic pressure that can make students vulnerable. When a student is stressed out from exams and papers, they are more likely to be spooked by strange happenings. And of course, the campus at night, with its dimly lit paths and quiet buildings, is a perfect setting for horror.

Another element is miscommunication. For example, the new college might have promised certain facilities or support during the transfer process, but when the student arrives, those things are not there. This could be in terms of housing, academic resources or even faculty support. It can make the transfer experience really bad.

Social problems also play a big role. For example, being bullied or excluded by other students. Some freshmen enter college with high hopes of making great friends but end up being left out. It can be a really tough and 'horrible' experience. Also, problems with campus facilities. If the dormitory has a lot of problems like no hot water or broken air - conditioning, it can make the freshman's life miserable.

Unexpected questions are common. For example, questions that are way out of the scope of normal prep. This can catch students off - guard.

Hard work is a common element. Most successful students study a lot and don't slack off. Another one is goal - setting. They know what they want to achieve in college. For example, aiming for a certain GPA or getting into a particular graduate program.

Probably the most common is the unfair grader. Some professors grade based on personal feelings rather than the actual quality of work.

The most common college apartment horror stories often revolve around shared living situations. Roommates can be a source of horror. For instance, a roommate who doesn't clean up after themselves, leaving dirty dishes everywhere or not taking out the trash. This can lead to an unhygienic and unpleasant living environment. Another common one is when there are issues with the heating or cooling system. In winter, the heater might break down, leaving students freezing in their rooms, or in summer, the AC not working, making it unbearably hot.

Theft can be a common horror story at college parties. With so many people around and everyone distracted by the party atmosphere, it's easy for someone to steal wallets, phones or other valuable items. Then there are the stories of people getting locked in or out of buildings during the party. It can be really frightening, especially if it's a large, unfamiliar building and there's no immediate help available.

Another common horror story is the dormitory problems. Like having a broken heater in the middle of winter or a malfunctioning air conditioner in summer. It's really hard to live in such uncomfortable conditions while trying to study.