Ah May, the sun is out, the flowers are blooming, finals are ending, graduation is approaching—wait, graduation? *Cue Pomp and Circumstance* Oh yes, graduation! That time when all of your hard work has paid off and you accept a piece of paper with your name on it with high hopes that it will help you land your dream job or help further your education. You can not walk across that stage with regrets or thoughts of “oh I wish I had done this in college!” I do not allow it! Whether it is years away or in a few days, here are the top 15 things to do before graduation.
1. Spend all day in the cafeteria.
Eat like the Freshman 15 was never a thing! Bring friends and of course Netflix and dig in!
2. Eat the staple "drunk food" item from a popular town or on-campus restaurant.
You know that item that is covered in grease, cheese and everything terrible for you? Order it and demolish it, either by yourself or with a group and have no regrets!
3. Go to a bar in town with all of your best friends.
Go and act like you own the place. Just remember to tip nicely afterwards of course!
4. Explore the town.
Set out on foot on a nice day and actually explore. You never know, you might find the new, best place to hang out!
5. Go on a road trip or an actual spring break.
No more spending spring break sitting at home wishing you were somewhere else. Take advantage of the break and go somewhere! It doesn't have to be far or expensive, just gather your friends and go!
6. Have a sleep over with all of your friends.
When is the next time you will have all of your friends within such close proximity? Stay up all night and sleep until the afternoon.
7. Get all dressed up and have a fancy dinner party with your closest friends.
This is the one chance you have to pretend to act like a fancy adult. Get dressed up, make or order a new dish and spend time taking so many selfies.
8. Take a picture with your mascot.
This one is self-explanatory. If your parents did not make you do it during orientation, take the obligatory picture now!
9. And of course take a selfie with your president.
Bonus if it is at graduation as you are accepting your diploma.
10. Present original research.
If your college gives you this opportunity, take advantage of it! Who knows, you could even be published as an undergrad!
11. Take advantage of your student ID.
Those discounts do not last forever.
12. Talk to a professor who has inspired you.
Get to know them, how they started and why they are teaching.
13. Go all out with team spirit at the homecoming game.
Scream at the top of your lungs and wear your school colors with pride!
14. Take a class just because you are interested.
If it fits into your schedule, take a random class that has nothing to do with your major simply because you are interested.
15. Actually enjoy April.
April—also known as a college student's worst nightmare. It's warm enough where you can taste summer and freedom, but everything for every class is due and finals are approaching. Take some time away from your school work and enjoy the nice weather.
