Differences between School and University If you’re close to finishing school and considering enrolling in a degree, you might be wondering: what are the main differences between school and university life? On your first day of university, you’ll be entering a whole new learning environment. To begin with, universities are generally much bigger with thousands of students, plus you also have more choices to make, and more responsibilities, too.If you’re going to be moving away from home for the first time to attend university, you’re also going to have to adjust to independent living. But, don’t panic, you’ll pick it up much faster than you expect.