'collegian' originates from the Latin word 'collegium,' where 'col-' meant 'together' and 'legere' meant 'to choose or gather.'

'collegium' transformed into the French word 'collège,' and eventually became the modern English word 'college,' from which 'collegian' is derived.

Initially, it referred to a member of a society or guild, but over time it evolved into its current meaning of a college student.