You’ve been struggling through the papers, tests, and projects. You have reached the point where all-nighters are necessary, sleep is optional, and dinner has become the granola bar and bottle of soda you picked up on your way home from one your seventeen club meetings. This is college life.

The constant movement from one activity to another, the daunting reality of our future careers, the begging for the weekend. Sometimes it seems too much to bear. But it’s time to take a step back for a moment. It is already the spring semester.

If you are a freshman, you are almost done with your first year of college. Sophomores, you’re almost halfway done, and juniors and seniors, this chapter of your life is ending faster than you ever thought possible. These four years are passing by faster than we ever thought possible; so, it is about time that we started to appreciate them. Here are a few tips on how to soak up the college experience:

1. Get involved!

College is simply awesome because there are clubs, intramural sports, committees, and volunteer groups for every student. Find something that you are passionate about and get involved with the corresponding group. You’ll be able to connect with people who are similar to you, spend time with something that you seem to enjoy, and open opportunities for yourself during and after school.

2. Appreciate time with Friends.

In college, we can hang out with our friends at all hours. Their homes are no longer drives away, but rather quick walks or scooter rides. However, with real life approaching quickly, the time we spend with our peers is going to dwindle. Careers, families, and new locations will get in the way of our ability to connect. Appreciate those late-night Netflix parties and silly shenanigans now because in a few years, seeing friends once a day will become one or twice a year.

3. Take some breaths.

College is a hotbed of stress. To be honest, it sometimes feels as if we don’t even know what it is like to be relaxed. The pressures usually seem to be unavoidable, so in those situations of complete madness, try taking a few deep breaths. It sounds crazy, I know. Breathing a little deeper isn’t going to write your twenty-page paper in less than an hour.

But, it will help you refocus. When you breathe, try to remember that this is part of college. You have to suffer through the assignments for a better future, better grades, and to get to the weekend!

4. Snag all adventure opportunities.

While at school, you are going to be presented with chances to see a riveting speaker, attend an exhilarating event, or simply visit a location you may not have been to otherwise. Make sure that when an opportunity to explore arises, you take it. If you have work to get done, figure out a way to finish so that you can go. If you want to just lay in bed, don’t.

Force yourself to go see that scholar talk, or travel into the city near your school to see monuments. There is a freedom that comes with university life. But, with that freedom comes the responsibility to make the most of it. There are small windows for chances, and it is crucial that you capitalize on them.

5.Use your resources.

College is supposed to prepare you for your post-grad life. There are countless resources that can help you get to where you need to be. Be an active member of your university. If you know what you want to do, use Career Services, mentors, and professors teach you how you can achieve what you want to achieve. Network with adults, students, and alumni, attend career fairs and learn how to speak with your peers and superiors. You get out of it what you put into it, so make sure you are maximizing all resources your school has to offer.

College is a time for growth. We get so caught up in the exams, papers, and worry of the future, that we often forget how to just appreciate what is around us. If we can identify the benefits of the university of life and really dedicate ourselves to using them, then we can eliminate some of the stress the future holds. If we can realize that our friendships and adventures may have an expiration date, we can appreciate the moments we have now with them.

Either way, college is an experience. Love where you are and what you have, make use of what is around you, and enjoy the process, rather than the end goal. Much faster than you realize, you will be graduating. Make sure as you are handed that diploma, you can tell yourself that you maximized the time that was given to you. Make sure you got you pulled your share of all-nighters, had spontaneous trips with friends, and met and learned from people of all backgrounds and interests along the way.