Coming in to college, everyone told me to enjoy every moment because it goes by faster than you think and that it’s the best and worst four years of your life. Both statements are incredibly true. I am currently a junior about to be a senior (SOS please), and college has given me some amazing experiences as well as some hard life lessons. As my time as an undergrad is coming to an end faster than I want it to, I complied a list of things I believe college students should do to get the best experience possible. Don’t push something off until the next semester, live in the moment!
1. Join an organization. It may seem obvious but the best and quickest way to establish a friend group is by putting yourself out there. Find something you’re passionate about and dedicate your time to it. Not only that, but it will allow you to build your resume, and you can eventually run for a leadership position.
2. Take a class you don't need for your major. Go through the course catalog and pick a class that appeals to your passions/interests and take it simply to absorb the material. Having one class a semester that you are genuinely interested in will help alleviate large amounts of stress (ok don’t get me wrong, you will still get stressed out but not with this class).
3. Go on adventures in your college town. It can be anything from finding those hole-in-the-wall restaurants, a museum/art gallery, concert, hiking or camping trip, etc. Whatever it may be –– do it and make the absolute most out of it. Trust me when I say that those random and spontaneous adventures will be some of the most cherished memories you will have when you look back at your college career.
4. Study abroad. Stop questioning if it’s “worth it,” and put any fears you may have aside because this is an opportunity you don't want to pass up. Being able to indulge in another culture with people who were once strangers to you at your university but quickly became some of your closest friends will be memories that will last you a lifetime. If finances are a concern, there are so many untapped scholarships and grants you can take advantage of –– you just have to be willing to do your research to find them. Go travel the world and see all that life has to offer.
5. Skip class on a beautiful day. Let me start off by saying that I hate skipping class. I feel guilty for doing so and then I have remorse because I’m afraid I could miss crucial material for the next exam. However, sometimes you just need a mental break so keep intact whatever sanity you may have left. If it’s a beautiful day go walk around campus, attend a school event/function, go see a friend or friends you haven’t seen in a while, etc. Use that time to focus on you! Don't get in a habit of doing this but once or twice a semester wont kill ya, I promise.
6. Volunteer. Take some time to do something that will humble yourself and serve as a reminder of how truly blessed you are. Sometime you get wrapped up in your own little world with your numerous to-do lists that you forget to take the time to serve others in some way, shape or form. The feeling you get by making someone else’s life a little bit better is indescribable. If you’re unsure where to get started, you can always look up volunteer opportunities in your area online or go to your Student Union Building and ask around. There’s always someone or some organization that needs help impacting the community in a positive way.
7. Go to a sporting event. Whether you're a sports fanatic or not, go out to a game and cheer on your university because this is one of the few times that the whole student body comes together for a common cause. Football, basketball, soccer, baseball, etc. –– go to them all!
8. Develop relationships with your professors. Eventually you will graduate and need a big boy or big girl job. It may sound nauseating right now or you may not want to think about it because it’s a few years from now, but establishing those connections sooner rather than later is essential. Not only can they help you with the course, but also they can assist in finding internships, getting a letter of recommendation, or anything else of that nature. It’s not about what you know; it’s about whom you know and who knows you.
9. Go out and have fun. Take this however you want – party, travel, binge watch Netflix, and so on but one thing you need to remember is that college is fun. At times you are going to question why you wanted to ever further your education and how you haven’t dropped out yet, but college is fun. Enjoy your youth and being a student!
10. Study! Being naturally smart isn’t going to cut it anymore. You’re going to have to buy a textbook and actually read and retain the material. There needs to be a balance of having fun but also getting sh!t done. You didn't come here to get a degree in beer pong, so keep the end goal in mind. Go to the library, local coffee shop, your fraternity or sorority lodge, or wherever it may be –– go to a quiet place where your distractions are limited and devote time to your studies. Don't procrastinate. You will become a victim of procrastination eventually, but do your best to get things done ahead of time because pulling an all-nighter and being cracked out on Redbull isn’t worth it.
Remember, this list is just a start. Find something on this list that sparks your interest and go after it. This is the part in your life where you find out who you are and discover your place in this world.
