College and university life involves specific vocabulary related to academics, social activities, and campus living. This list covers common words and phrases used by students in English-speaking universities.
Academic Terms
Academic terms are the words related to courses, studying, and university requirements. They help you talk about your classes, exams, and assignments.
| English Word | English Example | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Lecture | I have a biology lecture at 10 AM. | A college class where a professor speaks to a large group. |
| Seminar | We discuss topics in small seminar groups. | A small class focused on discussion or presentations. |
| Assignment | The assignment is due next Friday. | A task or project given to students. |
| Exam | I’m studying for my math exam. | A test to assess students' knowledge. |
| Syllabus | The syllabus outlines the course schedule. | A document that describes the course content and rules. |
| Tutorial | I have a tutorial to review last week’s material. | A small group session for extra help. |
| Credits | This course is worth 3 credits. | Units that measure course completion. |
| Professor | Professor Smith teaches chemistry. | A university teacher. |
| Campus | The library is in the center of campus. | The main area where a university's buildings are located. |
| Deadline | The deadline for the essay is tomorrow. | The latest time to submit work. |
Complete the sentence with the correct academic term: "I need to earn more _____ to graduate."
credits
'Credits' are units that measure course completion and are required to graduate.
Campus Life
Campus life vocabulary describes the everyday environment and activities outside of class, including places, student roles, and common routines.
| English Word | English Example | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Dormitory (Dorm) | I live in the dorm on North Campus. | University housing for students. |
| Cafeteria | Let’s eat lunch in the cafeteria. | A place where students buy and eat food. |
| Library | I’m going to the library to study. | A building with books and study spaces. |
| Student Union | The event is at the student union building. | A common area for student activities and clubs. |
| Club | I joined the drama club this semester. | A student group organized by interest. |
| Orientation | Orientation helps new students learn about campus. | Introductory events for first-year students. |
| Resident Assistant (RA) | The RA organizes dorm events. | A student leader who helps in dorms. |
| Campus Shuttle | The shuttle takes students around campus. | A bus service for moving around campus. |
| Quad | We’re meeting on the quad for a picnic. | An open grassy area on campus. |
| ID Card | Don’t forget your student ID card! | A card that identifies you as a student. |
Student Life
Student life vocabulary focuses on the personal and social aspects of being a university student, including habits, work, and socializing.
| English Word | English Example | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Part-time Job | I have a part-time job at the bookstore. | Employment students do while studying. |
| Study Group | Our study group meets every Wednesday. | A group of students who study together. |
| Professor Office Hours | I’ll ask during professor office hours. | Scheduled times when professors help students. |
| Tutor | I hired a tutor for help in physics. | Someone who gives extra academic help. |
| Deadline | The deadline for the project is Monday. | The last day to submit work. |
| Presentation | I have a presentation on climate change. | Preparing and speaking about a topic in class. |
| Campus Event | There’s a concert as part of the campus events. | Activities organized for students. |
| Networking | Networking helps you meet people in your field. | Building relationships for future careers. |
| All-nighter | I pulled an all-nighter before the exam. | Staying up all night to study or finish work. |
| Commute | My daily commute to campus takes 30 minutes. | The trip from home to university. |
Complete the sentence with the correct student life term: "I work evenings because I have a _____ during the day."
part-time job
A 'part-time job' is employment done alongside studying, often with flexible hours.
Graduation and Beyond
Graduation and beyond vocabulary covers the final stages of university and the transition to work or further study.
| English Word | English Example | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate | She will graduate next month. | To complete a university degree. |
| Diploma | I received my diploma in psychology. | A certificate showing you completed a degree. |
| Transcript | I requested my transcript for job applications. | A record of all your courses and grades. |
| Alumnus / Alumna | As an alumnus, he supports the university. | A former student who has graduated (male/female). |
| Job Interview | My job interview is next week. | A meeting to apply for a job. |
| Resume (CV) | Update your resume before applying. | A document listing your education and work experience. |
| Internship | I did an internship at a marketing firm. | Temporary work for experience during studies. |
| Scholarship | She received a scholarship for academic excellence. | Financial support for students. |
| Commencement | Commencement is the graduation ceremony. | The formal event where degrees are awarded. |
| Postgraduate | He’s doing postgraduate studies in engineering. | Further study after a bachelor’s degree. |
Conclusion
University life vocabulary includes words for academics, campus environments, student routines, and the journey beyond graduation. These terms will help you navigate conversations about college life in English.
Flashcards (1 of 40)
- Explanation: A college class where a professor speaks to a large group.
- English Word: Lecture
- English Example: I have a biology lecture at 10 AM.
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
