- When you finally lean over far enough off your bed to plug your computer in, but accidentally tug too hard on the cord, and it falls out again.
- When you’re on your phone in your bed, and accidentally drop it on your face.
- When you hit your shin, toe, or elbow on any piece of furniture ever.
- When you open your laptop in class and it’s on 5%.
- When you finish a season of a Netflix original show, and have to wait an eternity for the next season to come out.
- When you accidentally spill anything on a complete stranger.
- When your credit/debit card declines at a restaurant, and you have to beg someone to pay for you.
- When you get to a test, and realize you studied the wrong chapter.
- When all your clothes are dirty, and you can literally smell yourself during class.
- When you send a risky text, and get hit back with an ‘lol’, ‘ok’, or ‘what?’.
- When you walk all the way to the library, but realize you forgot your headphones.
- When you check your bank account and have $30 less than you thought you did.
- When your gas tank is on empty, but you’re stuck on a freeway with traffic.
- When you sleep through all your alarms, and wake up five minutes before your test.
- When you finally get the courage to speak up in class, and your teacher shuts you down.
- When you think someone is waving at you, so you wave back, only to find out that they were waving to someone behind you.
- When you bring your friend out to dinner with your family, and they accidentally mention something sexually explicit you did.
- When you fail something that was an ‘easy A’, or everyone else did great on.
- When a professor calls you out for coming into a classroom late.
- When you hug your friend from behind, and find out it’s not your friend.
- When you look at your schedule, and realize you won’t be able to nap until next year.
- When you walk into a room and everyone immediately stops talking and turns around to looks at you.
- When you say something that you think is really funny, but no one laughs.
- When you trip walking up the stairs, and everyone you know and their dog sees it.
- When someone 33 miles away from you holds the door open for you, so you have to run.
- When you accidentally clog a public bathroom.
- When someone you have a crush on calls you a “great friend”.
- When a restaurant runs out of the one thing you had been craving all week.
- When you use a large vocabulary word in the wrong context, and get called out for it.
- When you drop your wallet, and all your card and change flys everywhere.
- When you’re broke as fu*k, and hold up an entire line of people just so you can find exact change at the bottom of your purse.
- When the wall charge is too loose, and your computer charger keeps falling out.
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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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