"in college" vs "at college"

Question

"in college" vs "at college"

Both 'at college' and 'in college' are commonly used phrases in English, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'At college' is typically used to refer to being physically present at a college or university, while 'in college' is more commonly used to talk about the period of time when someone is enrolled in college or the experience of being a college student.

Last Updated: March 15, 2024

Use 'in college' when you want to talk about the time period when someone is enrolled in college or the experience of being a college student. For example, 'I am in college studying to become a teacher.'

Examples:

She is currently in college studying psychology.
He will be in college for the next four years.
I was in college when I decided to change my major.

Alternatives:

during college
while in college
as a college student
as a student in college
as a college attendee

Use 'at college' when you want to indicate that someone is physically located at a college or university. For example, 'I am currently at college studying for my exams.'

Examples:

She is at college attending a lecture.
He spends most of his time at college in the library.
I met her at college during orientation week.

Alternatives:

on campus
in the college building
at the university
on the college grounds
in the college campus

Answer 1

in college

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to refer to the period of time when someone is enrolled in college or the experience of being a college student.

Answer 2

at college

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

"in college" vs "at college"

in college

at college

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