Whatever college you attend, whether it be a huge state school (...Go Blue) or a tiny liberal arts school, or anything in between, your campus no doubt has cool stuff going on all the time.

Although going out and hanging out with your friends is undoubtedly fun, it’s underrated (and amazing) that you live at a place where there is constant stuff happening. College is like its own little city filled with guest speakers, art shows, movie premieres, club meetings and more all within its borders.

1. Be part of the discourse around campus

As I write this, I have just returned from a teach-out (didn’t even know what that was until about 2 hours ago) about Richard Spencer and his connection to Zionism (hate to admit that I didn’t know what that word meant until 7 p.m. tonight as well). I had heard around campus all this talk about the Stop Spencer movement and the Israel/Palestinian conflict. I had seen Snapchat stories of protests involving both, and had discussions in my classes, while usually keeping quiet. I now feel content to be part of the conversation around campus

2. Be inspired by another student's passion

People are REALLY passionate about the things they are passionate about. In college, it seems you dwindle down your interest into a couple core things (you can’t join every club). Thus, all your energy seems to be funneled into those few things, leading to an intensity of passion I’ve never seen before. Like these students were really, really into it.

3. The people watching!

Especially at my school, the people in the surrounding town are WILD. I’ve never seen characters quite like I have in Ann Arbor. Coming from a white-picket-fence suburb (my parents and I jokingly referred to it as the “The Bubble”), it’s nice to spice up the scenery a little bit. The events around campus typically draw not only students but the townies as well. We all watch The Bachelor or The Kardashians to see some eccentric personalities, but why not see some characters in-person?

4. College is for ~new experiences~

Ah, this cliché. It’s the college-equivalent of your high school’s “college is a match to be made not a prize to be one”. Although overstated, it’s true and relevant. It’s an awe-inspiring privilege that we get to spend four years just learning what you want and having new experiences with new people. When else in your life are you going to have the time and resources to go see renowned speakers or attend cool events, probably for free? Campus events are a terrific opportunity and you don’t want to regret what you could’ve experienced.

5. Free food

A lot of times there is free food. This should be self-explanatory.