‘Undeclared’ misses mark of college life
October 9, 2001
The fourth floor in a residence hall at the fictional University of Northeastern California is full of casual sex, drinking and cramming.
The seventh floor in Grant Towers North C-Tower on NIU’s campus has none of those things — of course not.
The two floors met on a recent Tuesday as 10 pre-selected students watched episode two of the new college-based sitcom “Undeclared” (FOX, at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays).
“Undeclared” follows UNEC freshman Steven Karp (Jay Baruchel), who hasn’t declared a major, through his community of fellow dorm rats, including his cool, British roommate Lloyd (Charlie Hunnam) and his first-day fling Lizzie (Carla Gallo).
Episodes so far have dealt with the realities of missing family, finding impulsive love, credit card applications and drinking.
“I’ve always been amazed that there wasn’t a great college comedy on TV, and I think this can be one,” creator Judd Apatow told TV Guide.
But what did NIU dorm rats, who Apatow and crew are trying to portray, think about this latest attempt to produce a real, but funny college show?
“I found the parts about roommates adjusting to each other and people going through emotional times to be accurate,” freshman theater major Sara Myers said. “However, some things are a bit hard to believe.”
Several students shared her concerns about the liberties taken in portraying college life.
“The dorm rooms are not that large in reality,” freshman undeclared major Korin King said.
Others had problems with the way social events were treated.
“Nobody has those ridiculously-presented dorm parties like the one from this episode,” freshman engineering major Derek Marshall added.
In fact, only three of the 10 thought “Undeclared” was an accurate representation of college life. However, seven of the same 10 thought the show was funny.
“I enjoyed every minute of it,” freshman undeclared major Brett Sierakowski said. Sierakowski also found the show realistic.
Even those who took issue with another unrealistic college show found “Undeclared” to have its charms.
“I normally don’t enjoy shows like this, but situations like guys emptying a borrowed keg into every container they could get a hold of are just plain funny,” Myers said.