- Sleepan unnecessary amount
- Decide to take a nap to help pass all the free time I have
- Stay up hours past midnight for no justifiable reason
- Start watching multiple different TV shows and binge-watch Netflix… obviously
- Forget about my “get ahead for next semester plan,” even though I have plenty of time for it
- Re-watch all the Tasty videos I could find on YouTube and try to make the recipes myself
- Re-watch old Saturday Night Live skits and wish I was funny
- Create new Spotify playlists and dance around my house
- Wander around the house looking for something to do
- Clean the refrigerator and do the dishes after coming to the conclusion that they won’t clean themselves, and I have nothing else to do
- Text my dad for help when I realize I’ve loaded the dishwasher before, but never actually started it
- Sit in a car for 20 hours on the way to and from the Christmas family reunion and listen to same downloaded playlist on repeat because I've gone over my data limit for the past two months and can't use Spotify
- Participate in a very competitive game of Family Feud that did not end very well
- Decide to make 2017 the year I get “healthy”
- Immediately regret the decision to get “healthy” because I remembered how much I love junk food
- Get ready to go on a run before remembering it’s below freezing outside
- Try to make “healthy” chocolate chip cookies and ending up with what looks like a pile of poop because apparently that coconut oil the recipe called for can't be replaced with butter
- Slowly clean my room over a period of two weeks
- Begin looking for a reason to get out of the house
- Get a facial and walk out with skin worse than what I went in with
- Aimlessly drive around town and waste gas
- Talk to the nice people at Best Buy Mobile to try to figure out why I've gone over my data limit for the past two months (Hint: I thought we had more data than we actually do)
- Waste more gas and drive around town to run errands for everyone else in my family when I realize I have nothing better to do
- Get lost in a high school I didn’t go to while trying to give my asthmatic brother his inhaler that he forgot to bring to swim practice
- Begin to regret looking for a reason to get out of the house after remembering how cold winter can actually be
- Shop for things I don’t need, both in-store and online
- Realize I need to think practically and start by ordering next semester’s textbooks online
- Document my boredom on Snapchat for all to see
- Strategize on how I can get onto Jimmy Fallon’s Late Night Hashtags segment of The Tonight Show because he is #amazing
- Tweet random things because I’ve become delusional and think I’m somewhat funny
- Begin a countdown to when I have to go back to school because going back to class will give me something to do
- Meet up with friends I haven’t seen since fall break and make sure they know I’m glad I have them in my life
- Spend time with my family because I missed them a lot while I was away at school and hate the idea of leaving them in a week
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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Luckily, many colleges offer a number of ways to take part in campus and community life, without forcing you to dedicate all of your time to these organizations. Here are a few ideas!
1. Look into Housing and Dining.
Many first-year students start off college life in residence halls, and the Housing & Dining network throughout campus often provides multiple opportunities for students throughout the year. Many buildings have student community councils that work to create policies and events that make the dorms a more welcoming home for residents. Becoming a community assistant (or the students who work the desks at the front of many halls) is another easy way to have a consistent, well-paying job only minutes away from your room.
If you really enjoyed your housing experience, consider applying to be an RLA, or, if the school offers it, help to teach the first-year community. You'll get the chance to help support new and returning students over the year, and many of these positions also cover major costs like board and meal plans.
2. Pay attention to campus postings.
This advice is more obvious, but it still gets overlooked a fair amount. Even on a busy day, taking the time to stop around campus and look at the flyers advertising clubs and events can draw your attention to something that you never would've noticed otherwise. Students on many campuses also chalk the sidewalk to catch students' attention while they walk to class. Just make sure that the event you're interested in hasn't taken place already!
3. Find common interest groups.
One way to find friends and get involved is to focus on what you're passionate about. Have you always loved to sing? Do you enjoy playing video games? Is photography your favorite past-time? Have you always wanted to join Greek life? Whatever you love devoting your time to, chances are there are organizations around school who are focused on the same thing. Check the student life section of your university's website, or stop by a student organization fair at the beginning of the semester.
4. Join an intramural sports team.
If you're the athletic type, you've probably heard of intramural sports. Often offered through the Rec Center or the residence halls, most colleges often offer various indoor and outdoor sports to take part in throughout the year. Personal favorite? Mini golf.
5. Work on a cause that you care about.
Whether you're passionate about a political group, a social cause, or a religion, working with people who value beliefs similar to yours can be an easy way to meet people, get a better sense of your own identity, and promote causes that are important to you. Look into getting involved with College Democrats, Republicans, or whatever party that you belong to. Find a club that supports social issues, from women's rights to protecting the environment. If you're religious, look into student organizations based on your faith.
6. Join a club related to your major.
Even if you're not entirely sure what you want to do after school, finding a club or organization related to your field of studies can benefit you long after you leave the classroom. From career-related workshops to conferences to professional connections, these groups have a lot to boast.
7. Get an on-campus job.
If you have the time, need to work, or want to save a few extra dollars, finding a job on or near campus is a time-effective way to build up your bank account and gain work experience. Check in your residence hall (see #1), at local businesses and offices, or make an appointment with your school's career center.
8. Volunteer.
When you're caught up in school life, it can be hard to think about the bigger picture. Volunteering your time to people (or animals/an environment) in need puts things in perspective and allows you to feel good while making a positive difference. Check if your college town has a volunteer page, or look up local organizations requesting help.
Best of luck this year! Get out, and get busy.
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