What are the common elements in college horror stories?

One common element is getting lost. New campuses can be like mazes, and it's easy to end up in the wrong place. Another is social awkwardness. Meeting so many new people can be overwhelming, and there might be embarrassing moments like forgetting someone's name right after being introduced.

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.

Missing important documents is very common. For example, forgetting to attach the transcript or test scores. The college may not even notify the applicant immediately, and by the time the applicant realizes, it could be too late.

Often, there are elements related to the inexperience of young love in a college environment. For example, a couple might plan a really elaborate picnic date in the campus park but forget to bring a blanket. And then they end up sitting on a pile of textbooks. There's also the rivalry between different majors. Say, an art major and an engineering major fall in love, and they joke about each other's fields all the time. In addition, the pressure of college exams can lead to some really funny love - related situations. Maybe a couple studies together so much that they start finishing each other's sentences in a really comical way during the exam.