You might think you’ve got everything you need for your first year of college, but there are some helpful hints that people don’t always tell you about how to explore your campus’ opportunities. Here are some helpful tips for anyone beginning college in the fall.

1. Get to know different groups of people.

It’s important to explore different communities in college, but it can also be really helpful to have social connections throughout campus.

2. Try new things.

Go to a meeting for environmental club. Eat something at the English Department’s bake sale. Take a walk in different dorm buildings. See all there is to see on campus.

3. Learn the names of faculty and staff members.

This can be SO helpful to you in the future. Not only is it useful to have a reference when people are talking about a specific professor, but it can also be extremely beneficial to make those connections early on.

4. Start off with GenEd classes.

Whether or not you know what you want to major in, you’re going to have to take these classes anyway. It’s much better to get them out of the way first. It can also be really helpful to take different types of classes to see what you like and experiment with different career possibilities.

5. If you’re given an opportunity, take it.

Even the smallest things could segue into a new and important part of your life. Whether it’s an ice cream social, an internship, or a spontaneous night out with friends, these choices can and will affect what you do and what communities you join.

6. Get a job.

Especially if it’s on campus. Even if you don’t need one, a part time job can be really satisfying and can help establish connections in different parts of your school’s community. And the extra cash doesn’t hurt either.

7. Don’t decide your career path right away.

It seems like people, especially older family members, are always asking what you want to do or what you want to become. The pressure can be hard. But at age 18, nobody knows exactly what they want to do. Try everything you can, and learn to be open – you never know what might be waiting around the corner.

8. Explore the town.

This might not seem necessary, but it can be really helpful to know what’s available to you and it can also be really fun to meet people in town. Who knows, you might even get some coupons for that boutique down the street.

9. Eat in the dining hall as much as you can.

Even though ramen in bed while watching “Orange Is The New Black” might sound like paradise, eating out can be really good for meeting new people and finding a community. It also helps to know the staff well – try to remember names!

10. Take advantage of all your school has to offer.

There are so many things you can take part in while in school. The possibilities are endless; even if there isn’t a club for martial arts or crocheting, who says you can’t start one? Be whoever you want to be and do what makes you happy. And most importantly, always remember to make the most of your time before graduation.