What are colleges really like beyond the brochures?

I've been looking at a lot of college brochures and they all seem amazing, but I’m a bit sceptical because marketing, you know? Can anyone share what colleges are really like beyond the brochures and official tours? Maybe some personal experiences with campus vibe, workload, or the social scene. Just trying to get a real feel for what I'm getting into after high school.

I get where you're coming from; those glossy brochures can really paint an idealistic picture. From my child's experience, the actual feel of the campus can be quite different. For instance, while the brochure highlighted the state-of-the-art facilities, they didn't dwell on the fact that some buildings still need a bit of TLC. As for the vibe, it really depends on the time of year - exam season can be pretty intense and doesn't exactly line up with those images of carefree students lounging on the green! My son's social scene also wasn't the constant flurry of events the brochures suggested; reality hit with the need to balance time between studying, part-time jobs, and then socializing. And yes, the workload can be heavier than expected. It's best to visit campuses, if possible, talk to current students, and get a firsthand account. Remember, much of what you'll experience at college is what you make of it, regardless of what the brochures claim.