- Embrace School Spirit – Attend a Sports Event.
Even if sports aren’t your thing, this is still a must-do. Colleges put much effort into encouraging student attendance at games, offering perks like discounted tickets, prime seating, and tailgating opportunities.
Why? The teams thrive on enthusiastic, noisy support from students. It’s not just about the game, it’s about the fun, the excitement, and the chance to hang out with friends, paint your faces, and blow off steam while rooting for your school’s team. It’s a blast that helps you feel more connected to your college and creates lasting memories.
- Dive In – Join a Club or Organization.
College offers a unique chance to explore and discover your interests. Scrolling through Instagram at 2 a.m. won’t lead to those moments of self-discovery. Joining clubs allows you to learn something new, deepen your passion, and make friends. It’s natural to feel awkward initially but remember; everyone experiences that.
Whether you’re there to explore coding, aviation, books, or something else, you’ll likely make connections simply by being around people with similar interests. This rare opportunity is less standard in the real world, so make the most of it while you can!
- Plan Ahead – Complete an Internship.
We get it internships might not sound thrilling, but you will be grateful in the future! As you navigate life after college and apply for your first ‘real’ job, having relevant experience will make a huge difference.
Internships provide hands-on experience in your desired field, teach valuable office etiquette, and help you build professional connections. In a competitive job market, giving yourself a head start is crucial for success. So, while it may not be the most exciting part of college, it’s definitely one of the most important.
- Boost Your Career – Connect with Your Professors.
Success rarely comes from going alone and having people in your corner can make a big difference when job hunting. A professor’s recommendation or reference can be a significant advantage, especially if you’re considering graduate school. Start by introducing yourself at the beginning of class, then follow up with an email to schedule office hours.
Share your professional and educational goals and ask if they’d be willing to help. You might be pleasantly surprised by their willingness to support you. This connection can provide you with the guidance and reassurance you need as you step into the professional world.
- Tackle College Loans – Start Paying Them Off Early.
If you took out student loans for college, it’s wise to start paying them off as soon as possible. While you’re enrolled at least half-time, the U.S. Department of Education covers the interest, which can add up significantly. Paying off your loans now means you’ll have less to worry about later, and your bank account will thank you.
- Begin Building Your Resume.
One of the best parts about college is having access to a wealth of staff, professors, and tutors ready to help with tasks that can be challenging to tackle alone. Since you’ll need a strong resume for the future, it’s a good idea to start working on it now.
Before visiting your college’s career services centre, prepare a list of your skills, experiences (including volunteer work), and contact information. Spending a few hours on this now can save you a lot of hassle.
- Housing – Find a Roommate.
For some, having a roommate is essential; for others, it’s a must-have. Even if you prefer your own space, we highly recommend sharing a home or apartment with at least one other person during your college years. Living with someone else isn’t as effortless as portrayed in movies and TV shows there’s a lot to manage behind the scenes.
Organising cleaning schedules, arranging shared spaces, and navigating cohabitation will be valuable skills, especially for future long-term relationships. Use this time to figure out what kind of roommates you enjoy living with and those you don’t
- Explore – Visit a New Place.
When people talk about travelling in the context of college, many think of studying abroad. While we highly recommend spending a semester in a foreign country for both the fun and educational benefits, other options exist.
Embrace your newfound freedom by taking a road trip or exploring nearby destinations. Travelling with friends during college is much simpler than later, as you won’t have to juggle jobs, families, or other commitments. Make the most of this time and hit the open road with your friends!
- Social Media – Don’t Get Too Wrapped Up.
We’re not trying to sound like a broken record about social media, but it’s crucial to use it in moderation. While social media has benefits, remember that a lot is happening on your campus that you should explore.
We’re not suggesting you delete your profile or ditch your phone altogether, but consider setting aside a few nights a week to unplug and see what’s happening around you.
- The Most Crucial Thing to Do in College Is…
Try something new! We know it sounds cliché, but college is the perfect time to explore who you really are. Use this opportunity to discover your interests, likes, dislikes, the types of people you enjoy, and the person you want to become.
While you won’t have everything figured out by graduation self-discovery is an ongoing journey—college offers countless opportunities for exploration. So step out of your comfort zone and try something you never thought you would. It might just be a life-changing experience.
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