Are All Girls College As Scary A Place As Stereotypes Label It?

Having studied in a co-education school and then getting admitted to an all-girls college was a shock! I, too, had heard stereotypes about all-girls colleges which made me regret the decision. Things changed for me though when I began college and witnessed the reality. The reality versus expectations conflict was triggered.

"How will you survive? The environment will not be healthy," was the first thing my friends asked me when I first revealed my admission to an all-girls college. No wonder, I was scared because I did not want to be surrounded by negativity for three years of my life and it'd be an emotionally taxing task. My male friends went off with his mockery of feminists and the infamous 'catfights'. I was obviously upset being a feminist myself but the thought of getting to interact with other feminists in the college.

Honestly, I was scared about the environment, how would it be not to have male friends around. The other irrational arguments that are also queerphobic like, "What if you start liking women," upset me.

I began college amid a raging pandemic which meant everything was virtual. I struggled to make friends. I saw people were already making friend groups and I was struggling to get acquainted with half my classmates. I was nearly convinced that the stereotypes were all true until some batchmates decided that we should all get on a video call to break the ice. Finally, I found my people; we bonded over calls and I realised that these are the best women I've met in my life.

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By the second year, I had befriended only three-four people. The shift to physical classes allowed me to interact with more women and my dilemma dissipated gradually. From the moment I stepped into college, I felt secure and the environment was welcoming unlike what I was told. I did not have to worry about the male gaze and being judged here. There was no animosity among the students here.

Being part of the initiative 'GirlUp Campaign' by the United Nations allowed scope for us women to bond over shared experiences which were heartwarming. Women here were uplifting and made you feel special. Sisterhood is real and I experienced that in college. Every woman is cherished and their achievements are celebrated.

Moreover, no subject here was taboo including menstruation. It is an empowering feeling when you can openly discuss things like such without being shamed by others.

I met so many dynamic women in college with such different backgrounds, experiences, and interests yet we all have one thing in common and that is we all are women supporting women. There is a sense of open-mindedness and comfort. The experience of being in an all women's college is just so liberating and empowering. So for anyone scared of joining a women's college I would just like to say don't fall for these stereotypes, it's a whole new world to experience and you're gonna love it!