People say that college is the best four years of your life, and, so far, I think they're right. College has definitely been one of the greatest experiences of my life, and there's a lot that has made it that way. The friends, the classes, the independence. But one of the things that has made the last four years some of the best were the things that were on my college bucket list.
I'll be honest and confess that the first three and a half years of college, my bucket list was very much neglected, but this last semester has been a different story. My roommate and I have gone hard on the bucket list the last few months, and there have been no regrets. Here's why you should have one too!
1. They keep you accountable for having fun.
College can get crazy. It's easy to get caught up in all of the tough stuff. The papers, exams, all-nighters (not the fun kind) and all the other everyday stressors that come with being a 20-something. Having a bucket list that you continually add to will be a constant reminder of all the fun things there are to do.
2. They are responsible for some of your best memories.
Even though the first three and a half years of college were also full of great things, I think they would have been even better if I had actually cared about checking things off of my bucket list. This last semester I have done some pretty crazy things for the sake of the list. I took a 24-hour trip to Canada, drank 28 bottles of sparkling grape juice and even got to meet Anthem Lights after a spontaneous trip to Illinois for a concert! None of these things would have happened if it wasn't for the list. College can be so busy that we often forget to do the things that we really want to do. Keeping up with your list will give you an excuse to do, really, anything you want. Going to Steak 'n Shake at three a.m. is more acceptable if you do it for the sake of the list!
3. You make friends.
Having a bucket list is not nearly as fun if you're in it alone. Have others write things on your list as well and do them together! Part of the joy of the college years is spending it with your best friends. You can even put things on your list like make new friends. It may sound weird, but you'll never know what could happen. The list is a powerful thing, my friends. You may just make a new best friend.
