at a college vs in a college

Both 'at a college' and 'in a college' are correct phrases, but they're used in different contexts. 'At a college' is used in reference to being physically present at a college or university. On the other hand, 'in a college' is used to describe being enrolled as a student or working within the institution.

Explained by Miss E.
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: May 31, 2024 • 1320 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used to indicate being physically present at a college or university.

"at a college"

Use 'at a college' when referring to being physically present at a college or university. For example, 'I am currently at a college campus attending a lecture.'

Examples:

She is studying at a college in the city.
He works at a college as a professor.
They are hosting a career fair at a college.
I met my friend at a college event.
The students gathered at a college library for a study session.

Show examples from the web [+]

But there was a brief period where I worked at a college nearby.
I see my sister about to lap me at a college that I would never be able to get into.
And I have this gig at a college upstate tonight.
You're in town looking at a college?
Look... we set up command at a college two miles east of here.
I mean, you two are arguing about status at a college that correspondence schools make fun of.
I work at a college as a janitor even though I'm smarter than most of the people there.
Right, but it still doesn't explain how a ghost ended up at a college in another zip code.
He dumped me when he went off to live at a college he doesn't go to.
SOMETIMES I WISH YOU'D JUST TAKE SOME PLAIN OLD TEACHING JOB AT A COLLEGE IN PODUNK.
He visited his boyfriend in Boston and went to a party at a college hackerspace, where he was caught on camera.
You cursed at a college student.
I was at a college dinner at eight.
I work in math and astrophysics, at a college.
Personally, I think mooning your friends at a college reunion is no big deal.
We're not looking at a college party gone wrong.
I'm studying voice at a college of music.
I'm studying voice at a college of music.
I even got a chance at a college education.
Miss Dalal has asked to assist me to secure her place at a college of law.

Alternatives:

on a college campus
near a college
within a college
by a college
around a college

This phrase is correct and commonly used to indicate being enrolled as a student or working within a college or university.

"in a college"

Use 'in a college' when referring to being enrolled as a student or working within a college or university. For example, 'She is currently studying in a college in the city.'

Examples:

He is a professor in a college.
She is majoring in Biology in a college.
They offer scholarships to students in the college.
I have many friends in college.
The new building in the college is for the engineering department.

Show examples from the web [+]

A doctor works in a hospital, just as a professor works in a college.
It's Like We're All In One Of Them Big Clubs You Get In A College.
I mean, I can see you in a college or doing psychotherapy, but not at some horrible crime scene, deep in blood and guts.
Look at Chandler's son: he's in a college and perfectly OK.
In fact, I do not believe that it is conceivable in a college of Heads of State or Government, to refuse or deny each government the opportunity to set out the position of their country on a constitutional treaty.
A misdemeanor shoving match in a college bar.
They're random people you meet in a college dorm.
Boys that age would better stay in a college.
We placed CSI Grissom undercover in a college seminar in which Haskell was being interviewed.
Exotic, getarian, I can mention it in a college essay.
This morning I attended a clean mobility conference in a college of higher education in Limburg.
They're random people you meet in a college dorm.
Well, I can give you my share back, but I invested Sam's in a college fund.
And I'll put it in a college trust fund for the kids.
Well, thought bubble Marge said we should put it in a college fund for Lisa.
Well, what do you got? Janitor murdered in a college lab last night.
It's been a while since I've been in a college girl's bedroom.
I have a list of questions that you might be asked in a college interview, so I will give this to you so you can prepare.
For Christmas, throw in a college fund for David.
A doctor works in a hospital, just as a professor works in a college.

Alternatives:

at a college
on a college campus
within a college
by a college
around a college

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at a college vs in a college

"at a college"

"in a college"

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