University... In the United States better known as College, is a fundamental part of American culture.
College life in the US is a very different experience from a university in Scandinavia. Especially if you are a student-athlete! The most obvious differences are the entire educational structure, a billion-dollar college sports industry, a proud, close-knit community and a unique culture at each of the many colleges around the United States.
Here we take you through some of the fundamentals that will make up your everyday life at a College in the USA!

At college in the US, you'll be assigned housing. In your first year, this will be on campus in 'the dormitories', which are very similar to a dormitory here in Scandinavia. As you go through your school years, you will also have the opportunity to live in apartments with friends and fellow students, away from campus. However, there will always be opportunities on campus!It should be mentioned that the American colleges house anything between 10,000 to 80,000 students. Imagine how big these colleges must be - and the biggest feel like a small town in itself! The smaller colleges can therefore also have a closer and more family atmosphere about them and sThe college you choose may be something to consider.

Canteen facilities and dining options at the University of Waterloo!

Physical attendance is important in the American education system. You will have a set schedule which you will work through with a tutor.
As a student-athlete, your coaches will stress the importance of showing up to class and maintaining good grades. Most students will have between 2-4 modules per day of which time is also spent on homework and assignments during the day and evening.

American college sports is a gigantic industry. Games are shown on national TV and are followed closely by the general public. The athletes and teams are a focal point for the entire campus and many people and students gather to watch their teams play.
In the biggest American sports like basketball and American football, crowds can reach up to 100,000 people - many of them prospective or former college students who are fanatical about the team that belongs to their college. As a student-athlete, you represent your college and compete with pride as your classmates and locals stand on the sidelines to support you.
Furthermore, the various colleges will take great pride in whether their sports teams are performing well, meaning that the academic administration will work with the sports department to help you maximise your potential in both aspects.

College sports facilities are fantastic and can match the quality of many professional organisations and clubs around the world.
For example, there will be one or two training centres for 'regular' students on campus, while student-athletes will often have access to their own fully equipped, professional-quality training centre.
There is also training, support and assistance from strength coaches, physiotherapists, dieticians and counsellors in addition to the full-time coaching staff assigned to your team. All these dedicated people are there solely to help your development and potential.

Check out our article on a typical day at college in the USA!

A quick trip to University of Tennessee and their football facilities!