perrrrWhen you imagine college life, what do you see?
Campus tours, Hollywood movies, and even Instagram posts often paint the same picture: endless fun, perfect friendships, dream internships, and memories you’ll cherish forever.
And while there are amazing moments waiting for you, here’s something important (and rarely talked about): college can also be really hard sometimes — and that doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong.
The Hidden Truth About College Life
Dr. Tim Bono, a psychologist and faculty member at Washington University in St. Louis, gave a powerful TED Talk about a major reason behind the growing mental health struggles on campuses today. (We’ll share the full video below because it’s seriously worth watching!)
One big insight he shared?
Unrealistic expectations are a major source of student anxiety and depression.
When students arrive on campus expecting every day to be “the best day ever,” even normal setbacks — like a tough class, feeling homesick, or not landing a dream internship — can feel like personal failures.
In reality, those struggles are a normal, healthy part of the college experience.
The “Happiness Formula” (and Why Expectations Matter)
Dr. Bono explains happiness with a simple formula:
Happiness = What we have ÷ What we want
If your expectations for college are sky-high, even good experiences can feel disappointing.
But when you walk into college knowing that hard days are part of the journey, you’re setting yourself up for resilience — not disillusionment.
Here’s the thing:
- You’re supposed to have roommate drama sometimes.
- You’re supposed to get frustrated over a class that doesn’t go your way.
- You’re supposed to feel uncertain about your path now and then.
Facing challenges doesn’t mean you’re failing.
It means you’re living the real college experience — and building the kind of strength that will stay with you long after graduation.
Why This Matters for Your Mental Health
Expecting college to be a nonstop highlight reel can lead to feeling isolated, anxious, or like you don’t belong.
The truth?
You do belong.
You’re just going through what everyone else goes through — even if they’re not posting about it on social media.
Building realistic expectations isn’t about lowering your hopes.
It’s about preparing yourself to ride the highs and the lows — and knowing that both are valuable parts of your story.
You deserve to feel proud, not ashamed, of the strength it takes to get through tough moments.
Because overcoming challenges is part of what makes college unforgettable.
🎥 Watch Dr. Tim Bono’s inspiring TED Talk here:
At Viranda, we believe that real self-expression — the messy, imperfect, brave kind — is what truly connects us.
That’s why we created a space where you can be yourself, talk openly, and know that someone’s really listening.
No filters. No judgment. Just real connection.
Whenever you need it.
