Freshmen—if you’re anything like I was the summer before starting my freshman year at Washington University, you’re probably working to sort out the reality of college life from the myths you’ve gathered from media representation of it. Here’s a quick guide to what your favorite movies have depicted correctly and what should actually be treated as fiction.

“Admission” (2013)

Scene: As admissions officer Tina Fey reads applications, the Princeton University hopefuls jump off the paper and into life in front of her, bragging about their many accomplishments, talents and unique traits.

Myth: As Wash. U. is an excellent school, all of the students will have that “one thing” that made them stand out from everyone else during the admissions process. Once they get to school, they won’t be able to shut up about how special they are.

Reality: Although all of the class of 2018 will surely have accomplished much during their high school years, you will be surprised at simply how normal most of your classmates  will be. You’ll learn about the accomplishments of your good friends as you get to know them, but unless you have some of “those kids” (and you know who I mean) on your freshman floor, not everyone’s icebreaker fun facts will be how many languages they can speak or how many countries they’ve visited on service trips. (And I’m begging you—don’t be one of those kids).

“22 Jump Street” (2014)

Scene: As Channing Tatum parties it up with his friends from the football team, Jonah Hill, not feeling like he belongs, chooses instead to drink wine with his art- and slam-poetry-loving pals. The groups couldn’t be more different and probably never socialize with each other.

Myth: Social groups will be clearly defined, and aligning yourself with a stereotypical group is the best way to ensure a social life. Many people will decide to stick with a certain group right off the bat and from then on will avoid all others.

Reality: Luckily, clique mentalities can be left in high school—and if you were planning on establishing one, prepare to be viewed as immature by all your classmates because in college, it’s better to befriend a range of different people rather than just a similar few. Freshman year at Wash. U. is characterized by its large number of open parties that anyone can go to, and if frats aren’t your scene, you’ll still be able to meet tons of people by dorm-hopping, participating in extracurricular activities or simply just going to class.

“Revenge of the Nerds” (1984)

Scene: Fraternity members oust the “nerds” out of their freshman dorm, forcing them to seek new housing arrangements. A war between the two groups ensues.

Myth: Greeks and non-Greeks don’t get along at all and, in fact, have deep vendettas against each other.

Reality: There’s no discord between Greeks and non-Greeks at Wash. U. Most of the time, it seems as if the only way to tell if someone is in Greek life is if he/she is constantly sporting lettered attire, and it ultimately doesn’t make a difference whether you join or not. Because rush is deferred until second semester, it’s easy to become close friends with people before anyone has even entered Greek life or started the pledging process.

“Mona Lisa Smile” (2003)

Scene: Julia Roberts’ art history students chase her cab on bikes as she leaves Wellesley College, having changed her students’ lives for the better.

Myth: Every interaction with one of your professors will be a life-changing experience in which you reevaluate your life priorities, values and goals. Each of your professors will teach you invaluable lessons about life.

Reality: Although Wash. U. has a host of wonderful professors, you can’t reasonably expect to have a meaningful connection with very many of yours, especially those who teach large lectures or multiple sections, simply because of time constraints. Similarly, don’t be distressed if one or two of your fall semester teachers turn out to be duds—this is bound to happen at every school and hopefully, the quality of teaching will only increase as you progress through your four years. However, if you do feel like you want a deeper connection with any of your teachers (and not in a weird way), feel free to seek them out during office hours. Chances are that if you’re brave enough to seek out a relationship, they’ll be happy to get to know you.