College is a unique time in life. It's different from high school because, in many ways, you have more freedom to choose the people that you spend your time around (i.e., through the school you choose, your major, the classes you take, etc.). It's different from the rest of life as well, though, because (for most college students) there is also less responsibility involved than there will be post-graduation. It is a place to test the waters, find what one enjoys, and what course one intends to embark on–and that means trying new things.
Of course, there are some parts of the experience that are more essential than others. If you want to make your college experience awesome, try out some (or all) of these rather spontaneous ideas.
Try all of the food
One of the best things about college is the chance to try a wide variety of restaurants—and cafeteria food, which is often badly underrated. College towns almost always have a wide variety of culinary options, in large part because they understand that they are serving a diverse and hungry population. Try all the different kinds of foods that you can at least once, and/or pick a restaurant that becomes "your place"—the spot where you and your friends hang out.
Also, by all means, do not fail to find a place with great sweets (whether donuts, ice cream or some other treat). Your wallet won't thank you for any of this, but your late night cravings will. Not to mention that some of the best friendships in college often grow out of late night food escapades. Speaking of late night escapades...
Say yes to spontaneous trips with friends (ONLY if you're sure it's safe)
Spontaneity was one of the most important traits I picked up from my friends in college. They and many other college students were simply willing to say yes to really cool ideas and trips. These outings ranged from late-night Sheetz outings to caving trips, to even a trip to Niagara Falls with very little preparation. I was not spontaneous by nature when I came to college, but when I opened up to that mindset and started to say yes to some of these adventures, I found that it made things even more fun.
That being said, it's important to make clear that I did many of these things with people that I knew well and trusted fully. Some spontaneous ideas can be dangerous ones, and it's OK to say no to these ideas as well; In fact, sometimes it's important. If you need the time to rest or to yourself, or if the trip seems dangerous, give yourself permission to say no.
Keep making new friends
A pro-tip of college—don't expect that the friends you make your freshman year will be your best friends in college. Sometimes this is the case, but just as often, things change and you find yourself in an entirely new group by sophomore year. Even when you find the friend group that sticks, don't stop trying to meet new people. Each year of college, I met and became closer to new people—people that enriched my life.
The main point is this: Don't ever close off your circle of friends in college. There are lots of people to meet (even on a small campus), conversations to be had, and adventures to be taken. Every person brings something different to the table, and in college, you have a chance unlike many others in life to meet people from all kinds of different lifestyles than your own.
Go to campus events
You pay a lot of money to be in college. Some of that money goes to campus events, whether you go to them or not, so it naturally makes sense that you should attend some of these happenings if you want to get your money's worth.
But again, being in college, you are afforded an opportunity that is rarer (and not "free") in the real world. You will likely have a chance to hear from high-quality (sometimes even world-class) speakers in various fields of study. You might get the chance to see top-notch entertainment (comedians, magicians, etc.), or even terrible entertainment that you can laugh about afterward with your friends. You may even get the opportunity to attend sporting events, plays, and other forms of entertainment for free as a student.
Join a club/organization/team
In college and in life, one of the better ways to meet people that share things in common with you is to join a club or group based on a personal interest. In college, the club you join doesn't even need to be focused on an area in which you are particularly skilled—just pick something that interests you.
During my time in undergrad, I was part of multiple organizations/clubs and teams, and I got to not only meet but also know a wide variety of people on a different level than if I hadn't joined those groups. Not only did I meet and grow closer to different people, however; I also had conversations in those groups that shaped and still continue to influence the way that I look at the world. Some incredible things can happen when a group of people focused on a similar topic come together to brainstorm or even just to talk.
