It's the start of a new year/new semester and you haven't seen your friends for three months. You've either been working or getting ahead in credits and taking summer courses. Maybe even traveling the world or hitting up every concert possible. No matter the case, summer is now over and you want this school year to be the best you've had.
The problem is you don't know where to start. You're used to a routine and hanging out with the people you know. You don't even know if you want to change anything you're already used to.
It is always good to try new things no matter what point of your life you're in. It expands your horizons more and allows you to meet more people. These are only some simple and easy ways to do so when you're still a college student.
1. Get to know the person you sit next to in one class.
This is so overlooked. You can end up meeting really cool people if you simply open up and start a conversation. The stigma in college has always been "take my notes and leave; keep interaction to a minimum unless I'm forced into a group project." It's easy to get caught in one's own world, but you never know if the person next to you could be a nervous freshman looking for a friend or needs help on the assignment and doesn't know who to turn to.
2. Start your fitness goals.
There is never a more perfect time to do this than at the start of a new semester. This way you're able to stick with it the rest of the year and not lose motivation. Staying healthy is so important in college, and simply walking around campus isn't enough to keep you physically and mentally healthy. You'd be amazed at how much stress it burns out.
3. Join a new club.
You're thinking, "I'm already involved in so much/I have the one club I need." While you don't have to join every organization that hands you a flyer, sometimes trying something you're completely unused to can lead you into newer social directions in college. It could even help with an academic or career goal. No club will ever turn down people looking to join, no matter how intimidating it may seem.
4. Learn to say no.
While this list has so far included tons of "yeses", it is also imperative that you learn to say no. The feeling of missing out on something is contagious in college. Having down time is just as important as keeping busy. You don't have to go to every party or attend every event. Class is already stressful enough. It can be difficult, but learning to say no will help you personally in the long run.
5. Go in with a positive attitude.
It can be hard to go into a new semester with a positive attitude after the last one didn't treat you so kindly. Your attitude can make or break your semester. Even if you felt defeated last time, know that you made it through and have been given another opportunity to make things better.
