Md. Zahid Hossain

The new batches are tweeting and roistering on every university campus. The fresher reception program gives them insight into how colourful their upcoming days are. University life represents a powerful dream for millions of young students in the context of Bangladesh. The dream is carefully nurtured by their families, teachers, and even the society around them. University life will be the best period of their life! They hear this all the time as kids, but when they land here, they realize it's not what we imagined. In the hearts of these students, the university is not just an academic institution—it is a promise of freedom, success, and self-discovery. The fantasy begins with the allure of campus life: bustling classrooms, the opportunity to forge lifelong friendships, and the joy of participating in clubs, debates, and cultural festivals. Above all, there is the belief that a university degree will be the golden key that unlocks a future full of success, respect, and financial stability. This promise shines in their face.

Most student's dreams begin early. Parents and their relatives frequently feed their children stories about academic successes and the promise of a stable future after completing university studies. The competitive character of Bangladesh's higher education system only fuels this fantasy, encouraging students to pursue desired top institutions like Dhaka University, BUET, and Medical Institutes. For many, getting into one of these prestigious universities is synonymous with winning in life. Students fantasize about strolling through university campuses, wearing academic robes, and debating world-changing ideas in front of attentive classmates.

The pressure builds, but so does the hope. The fantasy is intoxicating: the idea of belonging to a space where personal expression, independence, and intellectual growth flourish. Yet, this beautiful illusion soon meets the harsh reality. For many students, the months leading up to the admission exams are a blur of sleepless nights, never-ending study sessions, and tutoring. In a system where even one mark can mean the difference between getting admitted and being rejected, the pressure becomes unbearable. The consequences of failure feel cataclysmic. If a student doesn’t secure a spot at a top university, they face the stigma of failure, the shame of disappointing their families, and the uncertainty of an unclear future. The day of the entrance exam arrives like a storm. Some students freeze, overcome by anxiety, their hands trembling as they struggle to recall formulas and facts they knew so well just days before. Others manage to hold their nerves, only to find that the competition is even tougher than they had imagined. The joy of finally entering a university, for those who do pass, is often short-lived, as they realize the next chapter of their journey is just as challenging.

Students from diverse backgrounds often experience socialization opportunities, but introverted and diverse students may also experience anxiety due to the high cost of education, especially in private universities. Those who excel in pre-university exams and get admitted to public universities worry less about these costs, while those from introverted backgrounds and various districts may enjoy the freedom and socializing opportunities. Many students struggle with the demands of their studies, hoping to learn new things and grow. Many face traditional learning methods, such as outdated materials, which can lead to questions about the relevance of academic experience in real life. This results in a lack of enjoyment and negative associations with their educational institution.

For the lucky few who make it through the gates of the university, the struggles do not end. The fantasy of university life begins to erode as they face the overwhelming workload, the constant pressure to excel, and the need to balance studies with personal growth. The environment is competitive, and the race for good grades is never-ending. Students quickly realize that entering university is just the beginning; staying afloat is the real challenge. Many grapple with homesickness, financial struggles, and the burden of living up to their family’s expectations. University life, which once seemed like a path to freedom, becomes another battleground. Mental health struggles are common, but often ignored, as students feel the weight of having to prove themselves continuously.

After graduation, thousands of students compete for a limited number of seats in job vacancies. To stay consistently becomes a monumental challenge, with every aspirant carrying the weight of their family’s expectations on their shoulders. These exams test more than just academic knowledge; they test endurance, focus, and emotional resilience. Beyond academics, the job market looms large. Even after all the hard work, there is no guarantee of employment. The country’s saturated job market makes it difficult for graduates to find positions that match their qualifications. The anxiety that began with entrance exams carries through to the final year, as students wonder if they will ever land the jobs they dreamed of or be able to repay the sacrifices their families made for their education.

Many students reflect on their journey, from dreaming of success at university to realizing the long and challenging road ahead. Despite the harsh reality, the dream of a better life for themselves and their families keeps them going. University helps build character, perseverance, and resilience, despite not being the ultimate success path.

The writer is a Literature & publication secretary, Tarun Kolam Lekhok Forum, COU Student, Department of English Comilla University