Lyric discussion by MikeF 

Cover art for Campus lyrics by Vampire Weekend

I actually think this song is about a one night stand and the following morning wanting to leave before they get up cos of the awkwardness. Draging his feet along the floor possibly in regret of what he's done.

Then he sees her walking 'cross the campus, the "cruel professor studying romances", i think, is the girl overthinking the situation and wondering if there was more to it than a one night stand etc...

The chrorus isnt "how am i supposed to pretend i never want to see you again [as he likes her]" its "How am i supposed to pretend [theres more to it than just a one night stand when really], I never want to see you again" The comma makes it a whole different thing he's saying/thinking.

Ending with shes on the stone and grass (i.e. campus) maybe waiting to bump into him again whereas he's "sleeping on the balcony after class" simply catching up from a lack of sleep last night - another indication of the one night stand - not thinking about her anymore.

i think all their songs can be taken many ways, but this interpretation is coherent with all the different sections. i love it.

Excellent interpretation MikeF, You ideas are clear and well supported. I share the same idea of the song being about a one night stand. However, you may need to reanalyze the chrorus. The original lyrics do not contain a comma:

How am I supposed to pretend I never want to see you again How am I supposed to pretend I never want to see you again

Hence, and just maybe, the writer is having a hard time coping with fact that he had a one night stand and he wanted it to be more. Ergo he's having a hard time...

An Oxford Comma would really help clarify the chorus, no?

How am I supposed to pretend I never want to see you again How am I supposed to pretend I never want to see you again

'Jeeze you know, I just can't hide these feelings for you. When can we get back together?' Think: Top Gun

OR

How am I supposed to pretend[,] I never want to see you again How am I supposed to pretend[,] I never want to see you again

'Shit, that actually happened? And now its going to influence our social/professional relationship? I...