“It is a truth universally acknowledged that…”

Heads up: If you can’t finish or even recognize the above quote, this post probably isn’t for you.

If, however, you know that it is the beginning of the first sentence of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, then you just might be a Janeite, or an Austen mega-fan that enjoys everything from tea parties and charming suitors to satire and discussions about gender politics. (Oh, and reading Jane Austen’s books. Duh.) Then again, maybe you only know it from a college course? That’s fine, too.

It’s easy to forget, but to attend college is a real privilege; not only do many women today struggle to afford higher learning, but many reside in countries in which education for women is scarce, if available at all. 

But in Austen’s England? It was a thought that barely crossed people’s minds.

Which makes you think: if Austen’s fabulous collection of memorable heroines were alive today, what would they be up to at their respective universities? Would bubbly Emma Woodhouse be a sorority sister? How would shy Fanny Price deal with living with a roommate? And perhaps the most important question of all: what would they all major in?

Here’s my take on how Jane Austen’s heroines would deal with college life:

Table of Contents

Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice

Major: English (Minor: Gender Studies)

Let’s be honest: who among us has never, ever fantasized about being Lizzie? Yup, that’s right- none of us. Because Miss Lizzie Bennet is EVERYTHING: smart, sassy, independent, and the keeper of the heart of one Mr. Darcy (cue swooning).