University Expectations vs. Reality: What Life is Like at ARU London

Logan Human
Aug 13
2 min read

Background Important note: When you submit the videos, please do not add any subtitles and music.

Format: Video

Length of video: 40–60 seconds

Platform: TikTok & Instagram Reels

Dimensions: 1080x1920 — Vertical video

Headline: Uni Expectations vs Reality

Content:

Create a short, student-led “expectations vs reality” video about studying at ARU London.

Think back to what you expected university to be like before you started and compare it with your experience now. This could cover your course, workload, making friends, commuting, assignments, independence, student life, or balancing uni with other commitments. Keep it honest, light-hearted, and relatable.

Key Messaging — Ideas to include:

What you expected before starting university vs what actually happened
Something that surprised you about your course
Expectations vs reality of making friends
How you imagined assignments or lectures compared with the reality
What student life in London is actually like
Something about university that turned out better than expected

Aim for 3–4 quick comparisons rather than trying to cover everything.

Suggested Hooks — Lead with a Thought or Question:

“Things I was completely wrong about before starting uni…”
“What I thought uni would be like vs the reality…”
“POV: you finally start uni and realise it’s nothing as you imagined.”
“Nobody prepared me for this part of university…”
“My expectations before ARU London vs me now…”

🎥 What to Show + Filming Tips:

Use a clear Expectation → Reality format.

For example:

Expectation: “I’ll stay on top of every assignment.” Reality: Show yourself surrounded by notes and deadlines.

Expectation: “Making friends is going to be awkward.” Reality: Show yourself spending time with classmates.

Capture a mix of:

Lectures and studying
Assignments and deadlines
Course-specific moments
Campus life
Commuting
Friends and classmates
Your everyday student routine

Have fun with the contrasts. They can be positive, funny, surprising, or relatable.

🎤 Talking Point Ideas:

What were you most nervous about before starting?
What surprised you the most?
What turned out differently from what you expected?
What do you wish you'd known before starting?
What would you tell someone starting university this September?

Keep answers short, personal, and based on your real experience.

Goal:

To give prospective and new students an authentic look at university life through the experiences of current ARU London students, while reassuring them about common expectations or worries they may have before starting.

Alternative Video Ideas:

👀 “Things nobody told me before starting uni”
🎓 “What I thought uni would be like vs what it’s actually like”
📚 “First-year expectations vs reality”
😂 “Things I was completely wrong about before uni”
💼 “[Course] expectations vs reality”

Please ensure your video is original, respects the privacy of others, and adheres to all applicable platform guidelines and university policies.