We're all familiar with the college student stereotype: an Animal House-esque slacker with a drinking problem and absolutely no ambition besides finding the next party.

The results of a new study are challenging that view.

From the Education Guardian:

The layabout student who struggles to get out of bed in time for the afternoon soap opera, before wandering down to the pub to squander what remains of his overdraft, is a thing of the past, according to a survey published today.

Instead today's undergraduates are increasingly conscientious, dividing their time between the library and part-time work and spending 20% less on alcohol than did students five years ago.

The annual Unite study, carried out by Mori, found that, as well as being more committed to their studies, students today are more optimistic, eight out of 10 of them believing higher education will set them up for a successful career.

"The old-fashioned perception of students is completely out of date now," said Veronica King, vice-president, welfare, at the National Union of Students.

"Because of rising debt and the pressure to find a well paid job at the end of their course, students are being forced to take their studies very seriously indeed."

This study does not surprise me, as I am continually impressed by how diligent and intelligent my students are. What do you think? Is the image presented by this study accurate? Do you believe people will finally change their views of college students?

(Photo courtesy of University of Virginia Intervarsity)