As the year comes to a close and finals approach, my mind is in a reflective mood. There's a lot I have accomplished this year, and I feel proud of the growth I've achieved, academically, socially, and mentally. However, there are still a few things on my freshman year bucket list that I would like to do before the year ends.
Get at least one more free t-shirt from a campus event
Free t-shirts are truly like crack for college students. Even though I probably have a billion free shirts in my closet that I barely ever use, I still want at least one more, just to remember the end of the year by.
Find a niche spot on campus that not many people know about
This way, when next year's freshmen are swarming the campus trying to find a place they love on campus, you already have your secret courtyard to do your homework calmly in!
Go for a bike ride with the rec bicycles
On many college campuses, there are free bike rentals scattered around for students to check out! This is a fun and accessible way to enjoy a lovely day outside and explore parts of the campus you haven't seen before.
Have a fun dorm movie night
For most college freshmen, this is the only year you'll be living in the dorms. While dorm life can be difficult, one of the best things is that your friends are literally all in the same building as you! So invite them up to your room, microwave (but don't burn) some popcorn, and watch a cheesy rom-com for one of the last times in that room
Go on a photoshoot around the town
My friends Kenzie (pictured), Ashley, and I had a photoshoot around Uptown Normal recently. It was a ton of fun! We just goofed around and found beautiful murals to pose in front of. Now that the weather is warm again, it's the perfect time to memorialize the end of the year by getting dressed up and taking pics.
Picnic on the quad
All you need for this one is a blanket and some snacks! Everything's better when you're in the sun, so get out there and grab some fresh air!
Find a new favorite restaurant in your college's town
My college's little uptown area has a lot of quaint shops and eateries. The one I went to was an ice cream shop called Emack and Bolio's. Find your favorite spot to eat, so that when you come back in the fall, you'll have a go-to hang out place!
Do a photoshoot with the campus squirrels
Everyone knows that college squirrels are bold AF! This one right here literally struck a pose for me!
Find a new place to hangout on campus
All college campuses have lots of things to do — you just have to find them! It could be a fun spot on the quad, like this gazebo, or it could be a building like the Bowling and Billiards Center here at ISU! Whatever it is, grab your squad and make some plans, because you're gonna miss em in the summer.
 Hammock on the quad
If you haven't been hammocking, it is one of the most peaceful things ever! Grab a few of your best friends, put the hammock up (with a tad bit of a struggle), and chillax.
 Go people watching on the main campus
College is, well, weird. There's always something weird or interesting happening on campus, and people watching is a good way to pass the time. Just sit on the quad and take it all in because, in a few weeks, we will all be back in our hometowns away from all the craziness we are so used to!
So, get out there and make the most of the few weeks we have left! Crossing things off of my freshman bucket list is truly so satisfying. I can't wait to have an amazing summer and be back here at my home away from home in the fall.
