A Guide to College Slang for International Students

Heading to college in the U.S.? Brace yourself for something you might not find in textbooks: college slang. It's a whirlwind of new words and phrases that American college students use all the time. This guide will help you make sense of the college slang you probably won't find in an English textbook.

We'll introduce you to the most common American college slang words and break down what they mean and when to use them.

Understanding college slang

Think of slang words as the casual clothes of language - they're comfy, laid-back, and what college students or young people often use to chat with each other. On college campuses, students use slang to get their point across in a fun, quick way.

They're the words you'll hear in dorms, at the dining hall, or when everyone's talking about last night's game. And just like fashion trends, slang keeps changing. New slang words pop up all the time, while others might be old school before you know it.

Now, there's a big difference between the formal language you'll use in essays or job interviews and the informal way you'll chat with friends. Formal language is all about rules and sounding professional. 

But slang? It's all about being easy-going and personal. It's how you'd talk in a group chat or when you're kicking back with your roommates. So, as you step into college life, getting the hang of the local lingo is your key to fitting right in.

Common college slang terms

Stepping onto a college campus is like entering a world with its own language. Here's a rundown of some popular college slang terms you're likely to hear, from acronyms to phrases that have become a staple in everyday campus conversations.

• "Broke": This one's pretty straightforward. When someone says they're "broke," it doesn't mean they're physically broken. It's a lighthearted way of saying they don't have much money to spend. Example: "Can't go out to eat tonight, I'm totally broke after buying all my textbooks."
• "Cram": Heard often around finals week, "cram" means to study intensively over a short period of time. Example: "I need to cram for my chemistry exam tomorrow."
• "Dorm": Short for "dormitory," this is where many students live on campus. It's like a big house with lots of rooms where students stay, often during their first year. Example: "I'm heading back to the dorm to grab my laptop."
• "Greek life": Refers to fraternity and sorority organizations in colleges. Example: "He's really involved in Greek life. He joined a fraternity in his first year."
• "Frat": Short for "fraternity," a Greek social organization for male college students. The female equivalent is a "sorority". Example: "He joined a frat in his sophomore year."
• "Freshman 15": A humorous term referring to the weight some new college students might gain in their first year. Example: "I'm trying to avoid the freshman 15 by hitting the gym regularly."
• "Lit": A term used to describe something that's really fun or exciting. It can refer to a party, an event, or just a general situation. Example: "Last night's concert was lit!"
• "OMG": An acronym for "Oh My God," used to express surprise or excitement. Example: "OMG, I passed my final exam!"
• "Pull an all-nighter": When students stay up all night to study or finish a project. Example: "I had to pull an all-nighter to get my essay done on time."
• "Roomie": Short for roommate. Example: "My roomie and I are hosting a game night this weekend."
• "Swipe": Refers to using a meal card to get food at the dining hall. Example: "Can you swipe me into the dining hall? I left my card in my room."
• "TBH": An acronym for "to be honest," often used in text messages or social media. Example: "TBH, I prefer quiet nights in the dorm over going out."

Remember, these terms can vary slightly from campus to campus, but they're a good starting point to get you familiar with the college slang you'll encounter.

In the classroom

When you step into a college classroom, you'll notice that the language shifts a bit from the relaxed chatter in the halls. Slang in academic settings, like during lectures or discussions, tends to be a mix of casual and formal styles. Understanding this vernacular can be a unique challenge for international students who might be more familiar with textbook English.

• "Curve/learning curve": This term is often used to describe how grades are adjusted in a class (the "curve") or the process of adapting to a new academic environment (the "learning curve"). Example: "The professor is curving the final exam grades due to its difficulty." Or, "Getting used to college writing standards is a real learning curve after high school."
• "Drop a class": This means to officially withdraw from a course. It's used when students decide a class isn't right for them, often during the first few weeks. Example: "I decided to drop the calculus class and take a humanities course instead."
• "Office hours": These are specific times set by professors for students to visit and discuss course material, ask questions, or get additional help. Example: "If you're struggling with the essay, you should go to the professor's office hours."
• "On the same page": This phrase is used when ensuring everyone understands the material or the task at hand. Example: "Let's review the key points of the lecture to make sure we're all on the same page."
• "Participation grade": This refers to a portion of your grade that is based on how actively you participate in class discussions or activities. Example: "In this seminar, your participation grade counts for 20% of your final mark."
• "Study guide": A collection of materials or notes that help students prepare for tests or exams. Example: "I'm making a study guide for the final exams with all the key points from our lectures."

For international students, this blend of casual and formal language in the classroom can initially be confusing. It's essential to remember that professors and fellow students are typically understanding and patient. 

Don't hesitate to ask for clarification if a term or phrase is unfamiliar. Engaging with this aspect of college culture is a valuable part of the educational experience and can greatly enhance your understanding of both the language and the academic material.

Among classmates

Slang plays a significant role in peer interactions, especially in creating bonds and shared experiences among college students. As a first-year student, you'll quickly notice how slang forms an integral part of daily conversations whether you're discussing classwork, planning study sessions, or just hanging out.

• "First-year": This term is commonly used to refer to students in their first year of college. Example: "As a first-year, I'm still figuring out the best study spots on campus."
• "Ghosting": Used when someone suddenly becomes less communicative or stops responding to messages. It's important to be aware of this term in group projects or social planning. Example: "I hope he's not ghosting our group project meeting."
• "Chill": This term is used to describe a relaxed, easy-going person or situation. It's great for inviting someone to hang out without pressure. Example: "Our study group is pretty chill. You should join us!"
• "Binge-watch": Often used when talking about watching several episodes of a TV show in one sitting, a common relaxation activity among students. Example: "We're planning to binge-watch the new season this weekend."
• "Cap": Used to indicate lying or exaggeration. Example: "You said you met a celebrity last night? That's cap!"
• "Drip": Refers to a stylish, fashionable appearance. Example: "Did you see her outfit? She's got serious drip."
• "Boujee": Implies someone or something is luxurious or high-class. Example: "She has such a boujee lifestyle, always wearing designer brands."
• "Woke": Refers to being aware of social injustices and current events. Example: "Her speech about climate change showed she's really woke."
• "I can't even": Indicates being overwhelmed or unable to cope with emotions. Example: "That movie was so sad, I can't even."

Social settings

In college social settings, such as parties or gatherings, slang becomes the soundtrack of your experiences. It's a way to connect, share stories, and create memories. Whether you're talking about last night's epic party or planning an all-nighter with friends, knowing the right slang can make all the difference.

• "Pregame": Refers to the small gathering or warm-up before the main party or event. It often involves socializing and sometimes drinking in a more relaxed setting. Example: "Let's pregame at my place before heading to the concert."
• "Busted": Used when a party is shut down, usually by authorities like campus security. Example: "The party last night got busted by the RA (resident advisor)."
• "Crash": To stay over at someone's place, often spontaneously or after a party. Example: "It's late, so you can crash in our dorm if you want."
• "Rally": To gather energy or enthusiasm, often after feeling tired or having a low moment. Example: "I was so tired after the game, but I rallied for the party."
• "Off the hook": Means something is exceptionally good or exciting. Example: "The concert last night was off the hook!"
• "Vibe": The atmosphere or feeling of a place, situation, or person. Example: "This coffee shop has a really chill vibe."
• "Vanilla": Used to describe something or someone as basic or plain. Example: "I prefer more spice in my food, this is too vanilla for me."
• "Extra": Describes someone or something that is over the top or trying too hard. Example: "He brought a whole sound system to the picnic. That's a bit extra."
• "Rent-free": Used when something occupies your thoughts without effort or permission. Example: "That song has been living in my head rent-free all week."
• "I'm down": Shows agreement or willingness to participate. Example: "Go to the beach this weekend? I'm down!"
• "Legit": Means something is genuine or real. Example: "Her baking skills are legit. Her cakes are amazing!"

Technology

In today's college scene, technology and social media are integral parts of daily life, and with them comes a whole new set of slang terms. Understanding and using tech-related slang can help you navigate digital communication more effectively, including texting, social media, and emails with classmates.

• "Slide into DMs": This phrase means to start a private conversation on social media, often in a flirtatious way. Example: "I can't believe he slid into my DMs after the class group chat."
• "Meme": A humorous image, video, or piece of text that is copied and spread rapidly by internet users. Memes are a big part of online culture. Example: "That meme you posted on Instagram was hilarious!"
• "Viral": Used to describe something, like a post or video, that becomes extremely popular online in a short amount of time. Example: "Her TikTok video went viral overnight."
• "Trending": Something that is currently very popular or widely discussed online. Example: "Have you seen the latest trending challenge on TikTok?"
• "Salty": To be upset or bitter, often used when someone is overreacting or annoyed about something on social media. Example: "He got so salty in the comments of that post."

Common mistakes to avoid

While embracing college slang can be a fun and integral part of your college experience, there are some potential pitfalls. Being aware of these can help you navigate the linguistic landscape more confidently and avoid misunderstandings.

• Misinterpreting the meaning. Slang can vary greatly in meaning based on context. A word that's harmless in one situation might be offensive in another. Always consider the setting and the audience before using slang terms.
• Overusing slang. It's easy to get carried away with new expressions, but overusing slang can make communication unclear and sometimes give an impression of trying too hard. Use slang naturally and in moderation.
• Ignoring cultural sensitivities. Cultural considerations are crucial. Some slang might be rooted in specific cultural backgrounds and may not be appropriate for everyone to use. Be mindful of cultural sensitivities and when in doubt, opt for more neutral language.
• Forgetting formal contexts. Remember the difference between formal and informal settings. Using slang in a casual chat with friends is fine, but it might not be suitable in a classroom discussion, during a presentation, or in academic writing.
• Neglecting to learn formal language. While slang is a fun aspect of language, it's also important to focus on formal English, especially in academic settings. Balancing the two is key to effective communication.
• Assuming slang is universal. Just because a term is popular on your campus doesn't mean it's used or understood everywhere. Slang can vary regionally and internationally.
• Linguistic considerations. For non-native English speakers, it's important to understand that slang is not the same as standard English. It's an addition to your language skills, not a replacement.
• Misjudging tone in digital communication. When using slang in texts or online, be careful with the tone. Without the non-verbal cues of face-to-face conversation, it's easy to misinterpret the sentiment behind slang words.

By being aware of these common mistakes, you can use slang effectively and appropriately. It's all about striking a balance - enjoying the expressive nature of slang while also respecting its limitations and contexts. Remember, the goal is to enhance communication and connection, not hinder it.

Explore schools on College Rover

Alright, you've got a handle on college slang, but there's another big step ahead - picking the right college. College Rover is here to help.

College Rover has all the info you need on different schools, programs, and what life's like on campus. Plus, you can compare different colleges to see which one feels right for you. Maybe you want a school in a big city like New York or a chill place in North Carolina. Whatever it is, College Rover helps you figure it out.

Don't just guess where you'll fit in best. Head over to College Rover, start exploring, and find that perfect college that's waiting for you.