In many countries, the word "student" or a cognate equivalent (e.g., French "étudiant") is reserved for higher education or university students. However derived adjectives in such languages (e.g., "estudiantin" in French) may also, or even especially (e.g., Dutch "studentikoos"), be associated with the non-academic, fun-loving side of stereotyped "student life" (in part organised, such as hazing, "Greek life" in North American Fraternities and sororities), although not all students induldge in this lifestyle.

Currently, many children and teenagers are subject to compulsory education: by law they are required to attend some form of school. The term 'pupil', defined as 'one under academic discipline' ^[1] serves as a useful distinction between those required to study (usually children), and those choosing to study (usually adults). Laws vary from country to country, but most pupils are allowed to abandon their education when they reach the age specified in their jurisdiction.

Researchers, educators and education administrators around the world are increasingly heeding student voice, a common reference to the experiences, opinions, ideas and actions of children and youth in schools. This practice provides authenticity and efficacy for school improvement efforts. The first European universities were student universities: the professors depended on payment from the students, who picked their own courses, often itinerant.

17 November is International Students Day, which commemorates those students who called for peace who were killed at the beginning of the Second World War; specifically, the date was chosen in memory of Jan Opletal and the events following his death.