MTV’s new reality show College Life premieres tonight (10:30 ET), and I’m kind of anxious to see how it’s going to play out. Instead of calling on their regular camera crews (and, ahem, expert lighting people — thank you, Hills), the network sent four college freshmen off to the University of Wisconsin with just a hand-held camcorder and their own raging hormones. The self-produced series is supposed to give viewers a voyeuristic look into the lives of these co-eds as they face the ups and downs of campus living (think: hook ups, finals, and partying).
In theory, this sounds like a great idea — after all, last year’s documentary American Teen, which had a very similar angle (real teenagers in their real environment), won critical acclaim for its compelling narrative, but those teens weren’t in charge of the power button on the camera following them. It makes me wonder just how much these College Life students were willing to record and how much they were able to hide. Those of us who have experienced higher education know that the last thing a massive hangover or a bad grade needs is a lens magnifying it, so it’s hard to imagine these 18-year-olds were completely candid.
After a look at a sneak peek clip from tonight’s premiere (press play below) it seemed like there was some leniency given in terms of when the camcorder could be turn on and off. Andrea, for example, had a dorm-room "date" with a new boy to watch Gossip Girl and One Tree Hill (racy, right?) but says she "couldn’t shoot it." Now, of course, I want to know why!
PopWatchers, what about you? Are you going to register for College Life? What do you think about MTV"s "new" way of documenting these stories? And how many apology notes do you think the four stars will have to issue to their parents on Tuesday mornings from now on?
How badly does an 18-year-old guy want to get some when he plans a “date” with a girl to watch that crap?
As a student at UW Madison I am extremely pleased that MTV has decided to document the college experience. Not only will this increase enrollment here at UW Madison, but will also give high school seniors a glimpse into what College is REALLY about. Before this show, soon to be freshman had no idea what to expect in college, but now the blindfold has been lifted, showing the soon to be freshman the ins and outs of college. Sure there are parties, but there is also academics. The show seems to emphasize the party scenes but they also do include academia, which is often neglected. Overall, I believe this show will benefit the university as well as MTV, showing high school seniors what to expect in their first year of college. BRAVO MTV BRAVO
As a student a UW-Madison, This show does not shoot one second on campus and gives the school a bad reputation since they can only film partying. Also when Kevin said he was in the middle of “campus” he actually was completely off campus since the show is not affiliated with the university. It is an embarrassment to students who are about their academic excellence and quite frankly boring. Pick another school.
Living with a roommate can be a source of conflict if your boundaries are different. Rules need to be written up on responsibilities and expectations. I know it sounds rather boring and too much work, but a simple thing on paper that is signed by the people that you live with can be the most valuable tool that you have to prevent a future conflict.
evan silverman
ceo
william paid llc
http://www.williampaid.com
I’m sorry but this show does not portray college life at Madison accurately…at all. Hopefully it’ll be canceled, but given that it’s MTV it seems doubtful.