1. Concerts.
If you were like me in high school, then you didn’t really get to go out and do the whole concert thing. Your focus was primarily on school and other important stuff, and your parents didn’t really have time to take you to see a band they had no clue existed. Now that high school is over and you’ve moved on to college, you finally have the freedom to go out as you please (If you’ve moved out that is). I highly recommend using this new freedom to go to a concert. It may not be your favorite band per say, (I know how expensive it can be $$) but if you were to just experience the concert atmosphere I know it would change you in an incredible way. I went to a Panic! at the Disco concert during the summer of my Freshman year, and it was honestly one of the best memories I have so far (Brendon Urie's voice slays my soul). There is no other feeling than the feeling of an enormous crowd of people singing the same song as you and seeing how passionate the artist is while they belt out their lyrics. There are so many different opportunities for you to experience this; there are even free concerts you can go to if you look for them! (10/10 recommend Panic! at the Disco)
2. Explore your state.
Without a shadow of a doubt, I know your state has a lot to do. Each state in the United States has something that not a lot of other states have (For example: Mississippi has love bugs). I'd advise taking the opportunity to explore the wonderful and different thing and places that your state has to offer. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a popular landmark, it can be a hole in the wall restaurant, a lake, a camping site, or even a tiny little shop. Go to places that will give you an impression about the place you live. And you definitely don't have to go to these places alone! Grab a friend, or a group of friends, and take them with you! This would be the perfect opportunity to make some memories that will last a lifetime.
3. Check off your bucket list.
Growing up, you start to realize a lot of the responsibilities that you are going to have to face as an adult. While you're in college you should take advantage of your new found freedom, and check off that bucket list of things you've always wanted to do. The possibilities are endless as to what you could do. Go try a new food you've always wanted (for me it was chicken and waffles). Do something you've been absolutely terrified to try, like ride a motorcycle or go sky diving. Have a movie marathon, go on a road trip, or even learn to play an instrument. Definitely DO NOT limit yourself. Steadily check those boxes off that have been empty for a long time.
4. Reunite with an old friend.
While college tends to separate you and your friends from each other, you also now have the freedom to go and reunite with them again. Reunions with your old high school friends can be an uplifting experience that you wont want to miss out on. As the years progress, usually you'll have less and less time to travel to see them due to the excessive amount of classes and hours you'll have to take and/or working schedule you will come to have. Friends who stick together in college tend to stick with you for a long period into your life. Reunions with old friends strengthen relationships and give you a sense of who will really be there for you in the future. I highly recommend keeping up with old friends and reuniting with them every once in a while.
5. Have fun.
Fun is absolutely an important part of college freedom! Don't forget to have the time of your life (responsibly) while you have the chance to. Group hangouts, movie nights, travel, experiment with your wardrobe or hair, or just find a new coffee shop to relax at. This is the time to figure out who you are, and have fun while doing it. Don't let the pressures of the world get you down. This is your time, and your time alone. Have fun while you're doing all of this growing up. Have fun making these memories and having these different experiences.
You have the freedom, now just take advange of it.
