It’s summer, and that means that incoming college freshmen are beginning to put together their first fall schedule. I know from experience that this can be extremely stressful; there are so many choices to be made and it’s difficult to know if you have made the best ones.

For some people, one of those tough decisions is whether or not to continue with music in college, and I totally understand why. Many of the students on the fence have been heavily involved in music activities in high school, so they understand the time commitment it takes. They don’t know what music activities will be like in college and they are unsure as to how much time they will have to commit to it, so they consider quitting, even if it’s something they really love.

If you’re one of the new freshmen considering closing the book on your music career, I’d like to give you a few reasons why you should give it one more chance. Being involved in music in college was one of the best choices I have ever made, and I think that you will come to that conclusion as well.

1. You don’t have to be a music major to participate in music

Not everyone who is involved with music in college is a music major. In fact, around 60% of the people in my college band (myself included) have a major that isn’t music. You can still join an instrumental ensemble, sing, or even take piano lessons, all while majoring in what makes you happy.

2. You get to move into your dorm before everyone else does

For some ensembles, especially band, you will have to come back to school early for rehearsals, which means that you get to move in early. This seems trivial, but you’ll thank me when you get to sit back, relax, and watch the mayhem of regular move in day take place.

3. You will already know people from campus before classes start

Coming back early for band camp or rehearsals gives you valuable time to meet several of your new classmates and professors and begin forging relationships with them. You will even be able to meet some upperclassmen that you might not have ever talked otherwise. I can guarantee that you will feel a million times more comfortable on your first day when you see some people you already know and can talk to if you need help.

4. You’ll be surrounded by some of the smartest kids in the school

It’s no secret that no matter what school you go to, the music kids will be some of the smartest people around. In my college band, the average GPA is well above a 3.0. Most music kids are also responsible and timely, so if you want to surround yourself with good friends, look no further than the music department.

5. Music kids will help you find other campus organizations to be involved in

In addition to being smart and responsible, college music students are highly involved in almost any organization you could think of. No matter if you’re looking to join a Greek group, be a peer educator, or join any number of other clubs, chances are, there’s a music student who can hook you up.

6. You will learn good time management skills

As you’ve probably heard, college students are insanely busy, so you’ll need to figure out how to best manage your time. For me, being in such an involved activity as band has helped me figure out how to better balance my time. I know that I have to set aside certain times for all of my band activities, so that lets me know which times I have to do homework and which times I have for other things I want to do.

7. You get to go to sporting events for free

If you’re coming in to sing the national anthem or with your instrument to play pep band, you get to watch the game for free. All the other students have to pay or use their card, so that’s a win for you.

8. Your best friends will be fellow musicians

When you’re involved with music in college, you will meet many wonderful people that you will grow to call your friends. Your shared love of music will bind you together throughout your four years of college and even well after graduation.

9. Making music is the perfect way to destress

For me, playing my instrument every day and making music is one of the best ways to let go of my stress. I’m not sure how I would have made it through two years of college without music as my release. Being involved in an ensemble also give you an extremely supportive group of people who understand what you’re going through and are always willing to lend an ear, a hand, an extra reed, or whatever you need to help you through.

10. Employers will want to hire you after you graduate

We all know that finding a job after college is everything. So what’s even better to know is that potential employers will want to hire you if they see that you were in music in college. They know that being a good musician takes talent, sacrifice, dedication, and time management skills, which are all traits that employers like to see in their hires.

11. You can continue to make music for the rest of your life

Music is one of the few things in life that you can truly carry with you no matter your age, ability, or profession. It’s true that there are many other activities that you can choose in college over music, but you can’t easily play a sport or be in a Greek group after graduation. If you choose to foster your love of music in college, I’m willing to bet that you will continue to surround yourself with it for the rest of your life.