"The" before "university/college/school"

[Rachel Adams]

My example "They go to school/university" without "the" is BrE but if I add the definite article before "the university/school" or "college" it is not a mistake, is it?

 

[teechar]

My example: "They go to school/university" without "the" is BrE, but if I add the definite article before [STRIKE]"the[/STRIKE] "university/school" or "college", it is not a mistake, is it?

If you're not talking about a specific school/college/university", then don't use the definite article. It would be incorrect to use it in such general sentences.

 

[Yankee]

My example "They go to school/university" without "the" is BrE but if I add the definite article before "the university/school" or "college" it is not a mistake, is it?

In AmE "a" or "the" would work depending on context.