As a senior in college I can say firsthand that 4 years go by FAST. It seems like I was just stepping foot onto this campus as a naive little freshman who knew little about how the real world works. Even though the time has seemed to fly by, I have made dozens of memories with many late nights that turned into early mornings that I will never forget (or in some cases remember). There are a couple things that NEED to be done in your 4 years of post-education that will help ensure that you are truly getting the college experience.
1. Skip class once in awhile- You may not remember the quadratic formula that you learned in some boring lecture but you will remember a skip day afternoon spent with your friends.
2. Live in the dorms one year- This experience will not only help you greatly appreciate an apartment but also forces you to meet new friends that hate the dorms as much as you do.
3. Play on an intramural team- If you were always picked last in dodgeball in high school, now is your chance to become a jock. Or at least find a group of athletically-challenged people like yourself.
4. Get an internship or 3- Here's my one professional development plug. Sure some internships might be getting coffee and making copies all summer but it will help you find what you like or don't like and give you a chance to network.
5. Study Abroad- Believe it or not there are other places in the world besides the US! Go see them. It gives you a better global perspective and pushes you outside your comfort zone to experience a new culture.
6. Participate in school traditions- Whether it's a naked run at midnight or kissing under a clock tower, just do it. What is it going to hurt if you don't?
7. Go on Spring Break- I'm one of those students who spent all of my breaks working, however my senior year I took a trip with my group of friends to the Dominican. I have the rest of my life to work and only a few short years to make memories with my friends. Well worth the money.
8. Join a campus philanthropy- You don't have to be Greek to give back. There are dozens of philanthropic clubs on campus so take your pick. It not only feels good to give back but also allows you to meet people outside of your major.
9. Go out on a week day- Refer to #1. Staying up until bar closing can be one of the most fun you have all week/biggest stress reliefs after midterms. Plus, most drink deals happen during the week anyways so you'll save money! (Kind of)
10. Take an underclassmen under your wing- I had a senior do this for me my freshman year and I have tried to do the same since. It helps the freshman feel like they have a place on campus and makes the transition much less scary :)
11. Take a trip with your school- Many majors have industry tours or go to conferences and offer the opportunity to their students. Take one! It's the best way to see all the careers out there and to network with professionals/other students across the country.(I have exercised this YOLO item quite often)
12. Join a club or 5- Who wants to spend all 4 years studying in their room? Join a club to find people with similar interests as yours. It will make the 4 years much more fun.
13. Don't be afraid to be single for awhile- Many people go to college to find their spouse, and that's perfectly fine. However, I am a firm believer that if you can handle part of college (or all of it) single, then you will be able to better grow as an independent person who knows how to take care of themselves.
14. Jump on every opportunity possible- You get much more out saying yes than you do from saying no. Don't miss out on any experience because you never know where it will lead you. Unless it's drugs. Always say no to drugs.
Don't take for granted the 4 years that consume your collegiate career. This is the only time you will truly have freedom with little commitment. You really have to try hard to not enjoy college. Hold onto the YOLO mentality and I promise you college will be the best time of your life.
1. Skip class once in awhile- You may not remember the quadratic formula that you learned in some boring lecture but you will remember a skip day afternoon spent with your friends.
2. Live in the dorms one year- This experience will not only help you greatly appreciate an apartment but also forces you to meet new friends that hate the dorms as much as you do.
3. Play on an intramural team- If you were always picked last in dodgeball in high school, now is your chance to become a jock. Or at least find a group of athletically-challenged people like yourself.
4. Get an internship or 3- Here's my one professional development plug. Sure some internships might be getting coffee and making copies all summer but it will help you find what you like or don't like and give you a chance to network.
5. Study Abroad- Believe it or not there are other places in the world besides the US! Go see them. It gives you a better global perspective and pushes you outside your comfort zone to experience a new culture.
6. Participate in school traditions- Whether it's a naked run at midnight or kissing under a clock tower, just do it. What is it going to hurt if you don't?
7. Go on Spring Break- I'm one of those students who spent all of my breaks working, however my senior year I took a trip with my group of friends to the Dominican. I have the rest of my life to work and only a few short years to make memories with my friends. Well worth the money.
8. Join a campus philanthropy- You don't have to be Greek to give back. There are dozens of philanthropic clubs on campus so take your pick. It not only feels good to give back but also allows you to meet people outside of your major.
9. Go out on a week day- Refer to #1. Staying up until bar closing can be one of the most fun you have all week/biggest stress reliefs after midterms. Plus, most drink deals happen during the week anyways so you'll save money! (Kind of)
10. Take an underclassmen under your wing- I had a senior do this for me my freshman year and I have tried to do the same since. It helps the freshman feel like they have a place on campus and makes the transition much less scary :)
11. Take a trip with your school- Many majors have industry tours or go to conferences and offer the opportunity to their students. Take one! It's the best way to see all the careers out there and to network with professionals/other students across the country.(I have exercised this YOLO item quite often)
12. Join a club or 5- Who wants to spend all 4 years studying in their room? Join a club to find people with similar interests as yours. It will make the 4 years much more fun.
13. Don't be afraid to be single for awhile- Many people go to college to find their spouse, and that's perfectly fine. However, I am a firm believer that if you can handle part of college (or all of it) single, then you will be able to better grow as an independent person who knows how to take care of themselves.
14. Jump on every opportunity possible- You get much more out saying yes than you do from saying no. Don't miss out on any experience because you never know where it will lead you. Unless it's drugs. Always say no to drugs.
Don't take for granted the 4 years that consume your collegiate career. This is the only time you will truly have freedom with little commitment. You really have to try hard to not enjoy college. Hold onto the YOLO mentality and I promise you college will be the best time of your life.