The Student Definition: A Comprehensive Overview
The word "student" is a common term, yet its meaning and usage are surprisingly multifaceted. This article delves into the definition of "student," exploring its historical roots, various applications, and cultural nuances.
Etymological Origins and Historical Development
The noun "student" has a rich history, with its earliest known use dating back to the Middle English period (1150-1500). The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) records its use before 1398 in a translation by John Trevisa. The word is of multiple origins, stemming from:
- A variant or alteration of another lexical item.
- A borrowing from French ("estudiant").
- A borrowing from Latin ("student-, studens").
The etymons are "estudiant n.," "French estudiant," and "Latin student-, studens."
In α forms, the word is either aphetic, derived from "estudiant n." (although this is first attested slightly later), or from Anglo-Norman and Middle French "estudiant, estudient estudiant n." The loss of the initial vowel may result from association with "study v." (beside estudy v.). Compare "studient adj."
In β forms, the word originates from post-classical Latin "student-, studens," referring to a person engaged in study. This usage frequently appears from 1231 in British sources and also in continental sources. It may also refer to a member of the foundation of Christ Church, Oxford (1565 in a British source). Earlier, in plural, it denoted fanatical members of a sect (4th cent.), use as noun of classical Latin student-, studēns, present participle of studēre to apply oneself, study (see study n.).
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Comparisons can be drawn with the Italian "studente" (a1400), as well as the Dutch "student" (mid 14th cent. in Middle Dutch), German "Student" (15th cent. in Middle High German as studente), Swedish "student" (1498 in Old Swedish), and Danish "student" (c1500 in Old Danish).
Core Definitions and Usage
The OED lists seven meanings for the noun "student," with one labeled obsolete. The primary definitions revolve around engagement with learning:
A person engaged in or dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge, especially in a particular subject area. This definition extends to anyone who takes an interest in a subject or field, often specified with "of" or "in" followed by the subject or with the subject as a preceding distinguishing word. Modifying adjectives like "deep," "great," or "hard" can indicate the intensity of interest or study. This definition applies broadly to anyone dedicated to learning, whether formally enrolled or not. For example, one might be a "student of life" or a "student of human nature."
- Example: "He makeþ men studientis in science of numbres and louers þerof."
- Example: "We see it by experience, that the greate studiantes are persecuted more wyth sycknes, then any others."
- Example: "But Wisdom's Children shall be able to set themselves free, as they become Studients in the Art of this divine Magia."
- Example: "The young student in Italian literature will find in these specimens a safe and intelligent guide to lead him on to further progress."
- Example: "The student of architecture may here obtain a good idea of the magnificence with which the Genoese nobles surrounded even their few weeks of villeggiatura."
- Example: "Tanenhaus is a deep student of modern conservatives… He has been working for some time on a biography of William F. Buckley Jr."
A person studying at a university or other place of higher education. This is the most common understanding of the term, referring to individuals formally enrolled in educational institutions. This definition often includes the subject of study, such as "art student," "law student," or "medical student."
Example: Now sey me..if ther been manye studyauntes and how grete the citees ben.Example: The studyentes of bothe the vnyuersytees to whome she was as a moder.Example: Flockes of Studientes, that ouer-swarme the whole land.Example: Authors (it seemes) desired by the students of Divinity there .Example:* The young Student in the Common-Law..is admitted to be one of the four Inns of Court.Example:* The students at the Scottish universities..usually reside either in furnished lodgings or are boarded in private families.Example:* The medieval student in Arts was usually much younger than the modern undergraduate.Example:* More than 25 percent of CSU students are non-traditional students-undergraduates older than 23, graduate students older than 30 or students with children.
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A person in primary or secondary education; a school pupil. This usage is less common in British English before the mid-20th century, with "pupil" being the preferred term.
Example: It is, however, agreed by all the Writers, that the Author lived in the Reign of Charles I. and was a student at Eton.Example: A new class of 110 students were admitted into the high school this morning.Example: Students aged eight and older were already getting drug education.Example: He is one of the best-behaved students at his school.
With for. A person striving after or pursuing a particular end. Obsolete. This usage is now considered obsolete.
Example: Wherin they both agre, that Musike vsed amonges the Lydians is verie ill for yong men, which be studentes for vertue and learning.Example: 'Tis worth the laughing at, to see the Toylsome folly of these Extractors: These Students for the Phylosopher Stone.
At Christ Church, Oxford: (the name for) a member of the college foundation, corresponding to the terms ‘fellow’ and ‘scholar’ used at other colleges. Since 1882, the title has been restricted to the senior members of the foundation. Before that date, the two groups were distinguished as Senior Students and Junior Students respectively.
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Example: By Richard Hakluyt Master of Artes, and student sometime of Christ-church in Oxford.Example: He established therein a Dean, 8 Canons, 3 publick Professors of Divinity.., 60 Students, eight Chaplains.Example: Mr. Lock an excellent learned Gent: & student of Christ-Church.Example: He was the oldest member of the University of Oxford, and senior student of Christ Church, where he took the degree of M. A.Example: The Senior Students shall be persons of unblemished character.Example: In..your leading article you write..‘the master and fellows of Christ's Church, Oxford’. This should be ‘the dean and students of Christ Church, Oxford’.
A person who receives financial support for academic study from a college, institution, or special fund, typically for a fixed period; the holder of a studentship.
Example: That no young persons be admitted as Students on this Fund but such as are baptized on a profession of their faith.Example: There are also four studentships..for students in physic… These students are required to take their degree of Bachelor in Physic as soon as they are of sufficient standing.Example: Mr. R. H. Coon, of Lincoln College, also a Rhodes student.Example: Applications for the above studentships are invited… The student will have the opportunity to spend at least 3 months at Glaxo's Research Laboratories.Example: Oksana is a former Canada World Youth participant and a Fulbright student.
Slang. A person who uses narcotics but is not an addict; an inexperienced, occasional, or recreational user. Now rare.
Example: Joy-popper, a person, not a confirmed addict, who indulges in an occasional shot of dope. However, joy-popping is usually the beginning of a permanent addiction. If the joy-popper has trouble establishing the desire and pleasure from indulging it, he is called a student.
Student Classifications by Educational Stage
The definition of a student varies across different educational systems worldwide. Here's a look at how students are classified in various countries:
Bangladesh: Primary education is compulsory for children aged six to ten years, spanning a five-year primary cycle (grades 1-5).
Brunei: Education is free, with public and private institutions. The GenNEXT education program was introduced in 2009.
Canada: Education is divided into primary, secondary, and post-secondary stages. The way educational stages are grouped and named can differ, because the overall school curricula are overseen by the provincial and territorial governments. Primary and secondary education are generally divided into annual grades from 1 to 12, although grade 1 may be preceded by one or two years of kindergarten (which may be optional). Education in Ontario from 1988 involved an Ontario Academic Credit (OAC) after grade 12 primarily as university preparation, but that was phased out in 2003. The OAC was informally known as "grade 13" (which it had replaced). Education in Quebec differs from the other jurisdictions in that it has an école primaire ("primary school") consisting of grades 1-6 and an école secondaire ("secondary school") consisting of secondaries I-V, equivalent to grades 7-11. A student graduating from école secondaire then either completes a three-year college program or a two-year pre-university program required before attending university. In some English-language écoles secondaire and most French-language écoles secondaire, students refer to secondaries I-V as years one through five. In some provinces, grades 1 through 5 are called "elementary school", grades 6 to 8 are called "middle school" or "junior high school", and grades 9 to 12 are considered high school. Other provinces, such as British Columbia, mainly divide schooling into elementary school (Kindergarten to grade 7) and secondary school (grades 8 through 12). In Alberta and Nova Scotia, elementary consists of kindergarten through grade 6. Junior high consists of Grades 7-9. High school consists of Grades 10-12. In English provinces, the high school (known as academy or secondary school) years can be referred to simply as first, second, third and fourth year. In Canadian English, the term "college" usually refers to a technical, trades, applied arts, applied technology, or applied science school or community college. These are post-secondary institutions typically granting two-year certificates, diplomas or associate degrees and (in some cases) three-year bachelor's degrees. The French acronym specific to public institutions within Quebec's system of pre-university and technical education is CEGEP (Collège d'enseignement général et professionnel, "college of general and professional education"). CEGEP is a collegiate level institution in Quebec that most students typically enrol in, whether to learn a trade or applied discipline or to qualify for entrance to university in the Quebec education system. In Canada, there is a strong distinction between "college" and "university". University students are generally classified as first, second, third or fourth-year students, and the American system of classifying them as "freshmen", "sophomores", "juniors" and "seniors" is seldom used or even understood in Canada.
Finland: A student is called "opiskelija," while children in compulsory education are called "oppilas." Education levels include "esikoulu" (preschool), "peruskoulu" (basic school - elementary, middle, and junior high), "lukio" (high school), and "ammattioppilaitos" (vocational school).
France: "Étudiant" applies to university or similar-level students. Pupils in primary or secondary school are called "élève." First-year students in some higher education establishments are called "bleu" or "bizuth," while second-year students are sometimes called "carrés" (squares).
Germany: "Student" (male) or "Studentin" (female) is for university attendees. School students are called "Schüler" or "Schülerin." Education stages include "Grundschule" (primary school) and "Gymnasium" (university preparatory school).
Greece: Students are split into groups, Early childhood education (ages 0-6), Primary education (ages 6-12), Secondary education (ages 12-18), and Higher education (ages 18+).
India: School is categorized in these stages: Pre-primary (Nursery, Lower Kindergarten or LKG, Upper Kindergarten or UKG), Primary (Class 1-5), Middle Stage (5-7), Secondary (8-10) and Senior Secondary (11-12).
Iran: 12-year school is categorized in two stages: Elementary school and High school. It takes six years for a student to graduate from elementary school and six years for high school. High school study is divided into two part: junior and senior high school. In senior high school, students can choose between the following six fields: Mathematics and physics, Science, Humanities, Islamic science, Vocational, or Work and Knowledge. After graduating from high school, students acquire a diploma. Having a diploma, a student can participate in the Iranian University Entrance Exam or Konkoor in different fields of Mathematics, Science, Humanities, languages, and art.
Ireland: Pupils officially start with primary school which consists of eight years: junior infants, senior infants, first class to sixth class (ages 5-11). After primary school, pupils proceed to the secondary school level. Here they first enter the junior cycle, which consists of first year to third year (ages 11-14). At the end of third year, all students must sit a compulsory state examination called the Junior Certificate. After third year, pupils have the option of taking a "transition year" or fourth year (usually at age 15-16). In transition year pupils take a break from regular studies to pursue other activities that help to promote their personal, social, vocational and educational development, and to prepares them for their role as autonomous, participative and responsible members of society. It also provides a bridge to enable pupils to make the transition from the more dependent type of learning associated with the Junior Cert. After the junior cycle pupils advance to the senior cycle, which consists of fifth year and sixth year (usually ages between 16 and 18). At the end of the sixth year a final state examination is required to be sat by all pupils, known as the Leaving Certificate. The Leaving Cert. is the basis for all Irish pupils who wish to do so to advance to higher education via a points system. A maximum of 625 points can be achieved. At Trinity College Dublin under-graduate students are formally called "junior freshmen", "senior freshmen", "junior sophister" or "senior sophister", according to the year they have reached in the typical four year degree course. At university, the term "fresher" is used to describe new students who are just beginning their first year. The term, "first year" is the more commonly used and connotation-free term for students in their first year. The week at the start of a new year is called "Freshers' Week" or "Welcome Week", with a programme of special events to welcome new students.
Nepal: 12-year school is categorised in four stages: Primary school (Grade 1 to Grade 5), Upper Primary school (Grade 6 to Grade 8), Secondary school (Grade 9 to Grade 10), and Upper Primary school (Grade 11 to Grade 12).
New Zealand: After kindergarten or pre-school, which is attended from ages three to five, children begin primary school, 'Year One', at five years of age. Years One to Eight are Primary School, where children commonly attend local schools in the area for that specific year group. In the majority of cases, Year Seven and Eight take place in an 'intermediate' school.
Nigeria: Education is classified into a 6-3-3-4 system: six years in primary school, three years in junior secondary, three years in senior secondary, and four years in the university. The duration of university study varies by course. Those in primary school are often referred to as pupils. The Nigerian system of education also has other recognized categories like the polytechnics and colleges of education. Sec 1s are 13, and Sec 4s are 16.
Pakistan: 12-year school is categorized in three stages: Primary school, Secondary school and Upper Secondary school. It takes five years for a student to graduate from Primary school, five years for Secondary school, and five years for Higher Secondary school (also called College).
Philippines: The Philippines is currently in the midst of a transition to a K-12 (also called K+12) basic education system. Education ideally begins with one year of kinder. Once the transition is complete, elementary or grade school comprises grades 1 to 6. Although the term student may refer to learners of any age or level, the term 'pupil' is used by the Department of Education to refer to learners in the elementary level, particularly in public schools. Secondary level or high school comprises two major divisions: grades 7 to 10 will be collectively referred to as 'junior high school', whereas grades 11 to 12 will be collectively referred to as 'senior high school'. After which, students have the option to get Higher Education. This includes a bachelor's degree and master's degree, which take six years to complete.
Sweden: Only those studying at university level are called students (student, plural studenter). To graduate from upper secondary school (gymnasium) is called ta studenten (literally "to take the student"), but after the graduation festivities, the graduate is no longer a student unless he or she enrolls at university-level education. At lower levels, the word elev (plural elever) is used.
UK (United Kingdom): At universities in the UK, the term "fresher" is used informally to describe new students who are just beginning their first year. The ancient Scottish University of St Andrews uses the terms "bejant" for a first year (from the French "bec-jaune" - "yellow beak", "fledgling"). In England and Wales, primary school begins with an optional "nursery" year (either in a primary school or a privately run nursery,) followed by reception and then move on to "year one, year two" and so on until "year six" (all in primary school.) In state schools, children join secondary school when they are 11-12 years old in what used to be called "first form" and is now known as "year 7". They go up to year 11 (formerly "fifth form") and then join the sixth form, either at the same school or at a separate sixth form college. A pupil entering a private, fee-paying school (usually at age 13) would join the "third form" - equivalent to year 9. In Northern Ireland and Scotland, it is very similar but with some differences. Pupils start off in nursery or reception aged 3 to 4, and then start primary school in "P1" (P standing for primary) or year 1. They then continue primary school until "P7" or year 7. After that they start secondary school at 11 years old, this is called "1st year" or year 8 in Northern Ireland, or "S1" in Scotland. They continue secondary school until the age of 16 at "5th year", year 12 or "S5", and then it is the choice of the individual pupil to decide to continue in school and (in Northern Ireland) do AS levels (known as "lower sixth") and then the next year to do A levels (known as "upper sixth"). In Scotland, students aged 16-18 take Highers, followed by Advanced Highers.
United States: The first official year of schooling is called kindergarten, which is why the students are called kindergarteners. Kindergarten is optional in most states, but few students skip this level.[37] Preschool is for kids ages 2 to 5 pre-K is specifically designed for ages 4 to 5 in the year before kindergarten. The first year of college or high school is referred to as Freshman year. Outside the United States, the term sophomore is rarely used, with second-year students simply called "second years". Folk etymology indicates that the word means "wise fool"; consequently "sophomoric" means "pretentious, bombastic, inflated in style or manner; immature, crude, superficial" (according to the Oxford English Dictionary). A student who takes more than the average number of years to graduate is sometimes referred to as a "super senior".[49] This term is often used in college but can be used in high school as well. It can mean that a student is taking their senior year for a second time.[50] The term underclassman refers collectively to Freshmen and Sophomores, and upperclassman refers collectively to Juniors and Seniors.
University Student Classifications
Within universities, students are often classified by their year of study:
- Freshman/First-year: A student in their first year of college or university.
- Sophomore/Second-year: A student in their second year.
- Junior/Third-year: A student in their third year.
- Senior/Fourth-year: A student in their fourth and final year (typically).
Students taking longer than the typical four years to graduate are sometimes called "super seniors."
The Student Experience: Beyond Academics
Student life extends beyond academic pursuits. It encompasses social, cultural, and personal development.
Student Life: The popular image of student life is of young people with few responsibilities enjoying themselves and doing very little work. This is often not true. Many older people study at college or university, sometimes on a part-time basis while having a job and looking after a family. Many students are highly motivated and work very hard. In Britain reduced government support for higher education means that students can no longer rely on having their expenses paid for them. In the past, students received a grant towards their living expenses. Now most can only get a loan, which has to be paid back. They also have to pay a fixed amount towards tuition fees up to a maximum of just over £9 000 per year. Scottish students studying at Scottish universities do not pay fees. In the US students also have to pay for tuition. Many get financial aid which may include grants, scholarships and loans. The fear of having large debts places a lot of pressure on students and many take part-time jobs during the term and work full-time in the vacations. Even so, a majority of students leave higher education having borrowed a lot of money.
Living Arrangements: Many students in Britain go to a university away from their home town. They usually live in a hall of residence for their first year, and then move into a rented room in a private house or share a house with housemates. They may go back home during vacations, but after they graduate most leave home for good. In the US many students now save money by living at home and attending college nearby. Others attend colleges some distance from where their parents live and they may live on campus in one of the halls, or off campus in apartments and houses which they share with roommates. Some students, especially at larger universities, join a fraternity or sorority, a social group usually with its own house near the campus. Fraternities and sororities often have names which are combinations of two or three Greek letters. Some people do not have a good opinion of them because they think that students who are members spend too much time having parties.
Student Representation: In Britain the interests of students are represented by a students' union which acts as a link with the university on academic matters, arranges social events and provides advice to students. Individual unions are affiliated with (= linked to) the NUS (= the National Union of Students). The student union building is usually the centre of student life and has a bar and common room, and often a restaurant and shops. British universities have a wide range of societies, clubs and social activities including sports, drama and politics. Especially in their first year, US students spend a lot of time on social activities. One of the most important celebrations, especially at universities which place a lot of emphasis on sports, is homecoming. Many alumni (= former students) return to their alma mater (= college) for a weekend in the autumn to watch a football game. During homecoming weekend there are also parties and dances, and usually a parade.
Academic Challenges: When social activities take up too much time, students skip lectures (= miss them) or cut class (NAmE) and take incompletes (NAmE), which means they have to finish their work after the vacation. In the US this has the effect of lowering their course grades, but most US universities expect this behaviour from students and do little to stop it. Students are thought to be old enough to make their own decisions about how hard they work and to accept the consequences. A few students drop out (NAmE flunk out) but the majority try hard to get good grades and a good degree.
Mature Students
An adult learner-or, more commonly, a mature student or mature-age student-is a person who is older and is involved in forms of learning.
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