Dear College Student,

Whether you are taking your steps into an institution or returning for hopefully another successful year, I wanted to pass on some advice that I feel will help take advantage of everything that college should leave you with when you take the next step in life. Some of these things I did myself and can vouch for its usefulness, while others were not done by myself but I feel they are equally important.

The first thing, and I feel that many people know about it already, is to make good use of your free periods. Lie down in a grassy patch and watch time go on around you. Walk around the campus. I remember when I first saw the University of Nevada, Reno, it felt like I would be pursuing an education in a mini-city. I had a lot of my classes in the same areas, so I didn’t get to travel much of the campus. My roommate during my freshman year took several evenings to just walk the campus and see all the buildings and landmarks that could be found. Learn about your campus and you probably find a spot to hang out that you could never find during the normal class day.

While this isn't at UNR, the point is that you can find fun things so long as you look at them. (Picture credit goes to myself)

In addition to learning about the campus, I find learning about people is very important. High school gave you a basic look at the people in your neighborhood, where as colleges draw in people from the across the country, even the world. You will probably never be in such a cultural mesh as you will in college, so take the opportunity to learn. It doesn’t have to be someone from a different country. What is important is the person has a different viewpoint than you. Perhaps it’s their sexual preference, or a mental illness, or religion. I feel that part of my completion as an adult ready for life in the real world was that I learned about how people different than me in a lot of ways thought and experienced life.

However you live your life, make sure there is room for others. I lived in an all-male dorm for my first two years of college (Go Lincoln Hall!!) and I have to say it was a great experience for me as a guy. One of the many reasons I enjoyed my time in the dorm is that it felt we were a team. Everyone chipped in for the philanthropy events and when there was anything going on with the campus or downtown Reno, the social hot spots in the dorm were toured in an attempt to drum up a group to go. Everyone was welcome to come, and no one was ridiculed because they didn’t want to attend. The point is that make sure to show openness with events and always to check with friends. Sometimes you will enjoy the event, and others times you won’t, but make sure whatever you do, you try to include others.

Try to step out of your comfort zone. If you are a bit stuck in your interests like me, then you probably don’t want to do anything really differently. The thing is that you will never discover who you are if you don’t yourself in a situation that is new, and possibly uncomfortable. I was not one for school spirit, but I decided to attend the homecoming march downtown. Deciding to ease up on my opinion of spirit for one evening, I had a wonderful time. I probably won’t do it again, but I gave it a shot and that is what being in college means to me.

A well-deserved meal after a successful night of scaring. (Photo credit given to myself)

College is about getting a higher education and you should definitely pursue that whole-heartedly, but also remember that the time you spend there can provide a lot of other important experiences that will help you grow and prepare for life post-college. Take advantage of everything you possibly can and make the most of what many call “the best years of your life.”