It freaks me out that my freshman Bid Day was almost four years ago. The past four years at OU have been a hodge-podge of experiences, emotions, and memories. I thought high school went by fast, but college is just crazy. I’ve learned so many things, and most of them weren’t part of any curriculum.

I’m sure you’ve been told to slow down and enjoy college while you can, so I’m not going to repeat it. Instead I’m going to write some tips on how to enjoy what little time is left of your college career.

Eat the food. We’ve all heard the sayings, “A moment on the lips, forever on the hips” and “Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels." But how much fun is that? I personally don’t just eat food because I need it to survive. I eat because I genuinely love food. You’re young! Eat Papa John’s at 3 a.m. I’m not telling you not to diet, but don’t let it get in the way of enjoying your high metabolism while you still have it.    

Go out with the group. I’m a pro at making up excuses not to go out with my friends or sisters. Maybe you’re like me and just not the social type. Take my word for it, being left out sucks. When your pledge class makes a funny senior video and you’re not in any of the clips or pictures, it’s crappy. Go out for 21st birthdays! Celebrate holidays on Campus Corner! Enjoy the people surrounding you while you still can. It’s not just about having FOMO; it’s about making memories with the ones you care about. 

Say “yes” to spring break. Every time I check my bank account a little piece of me dies. The rare times I actually save up money, I spend it. Missing out on spring break because of money sucks. I’ve been there. But it doesn’t have to be expensive. Book a cheap spring break trip with your friends and save up. It’s possible to live on $18 for a month -- I’ve done it. 

Get the haircut. This is the perfect time to be daring. Before you have to go out and find an adult job, get the haircut. I went from long, to a bob, to a pixie cut. Don’t be afraid to shake things up. Like my mom always says, “It’s just hair. It’ll grow back.” 

Major in something you love. No one said you have to major in a subject just so you can be guaranteed a job. Actually, I’m sure someone has said that before. But I disagree! If you’re going to be going to school for four or more years, you should study something you love or are interested in. If you’re not in love with petroleum engineering, don’t take the classes! The job market sucks for everyone right now, regardless of your major. If you’re stuck on majoring in that subject, at least take classes or electives that you enjoy.    

Don’t be afraid to not have a plan. Plans are meant to be broken. One of my favorite quotes says, “When men plan, God laughs.” I feel like the harder you try to get your life on a set track, the easier it is to derail. Don’t get me wrong. You should have goals and dreams and aspirations. Just don’t get so caught up in everything going according to plan that you ignore what’s around you. Some of the best things in life happen when you least expect them to. Don’t freak out when something goes wrong. Welcome the change that it brings.     

Being average isn’t the worst thing in the world. C’s get degrees and B’s are like college A’s. Those are my conversions anyway. Don’t waste your parents’ tuition money, but don’t stress yourself out over every little assignment. There is always some fudge room to slack off. Manage your absences wisely, and don’t be afraid to take a mental health day. 

Before you leave, eat at these restaurants, and get these dishes:

The Mont – Loaded cheese fries with ranch  

S&B’s – The Thanksgiving fries

Pennyhill – The meatball sub baked potato or hot ham and cheese  

Freddy’s – Cheese fries

Diamond Dawgs – The Wonderdog   

Slim Chickens – Fried pickles with ranch  

Bagel Café – Pizza bagel with pepperoni

Braum’s – Fries with honey mustard   

Victoria’s – Lasagna

Five Guys – Little cheeseburger with an order of Cajun fries   

Panera Bread – Mac and cheese   

Charleston’s – Waldorf salad   

El Chico – Tortilla soup   

Seven47- Truffle fries with ranch

If you’re ever offered the opportunity to have fun, don’t miss out on it. Go to the date parties, and go see a movie at midnight. It’s all worth it in the end. The tests and papers can wait for an hour or two.