Do you have to go to college before going to the university?

You need to graduate from high school before going further. A university will have a graduate school in addition to its undergraduate programmes, while a college often offers nothing above bachelor's degrees. No, you don't. Colleges and universities are essentially similar. The main difference is the number of terminal degree programs offered, with universities offering more. If you have a high-school diploma, you can attend either. Some schools even admit non-traditional students, older people who may not possess a HS diploma or its equivalent.