With the new semester beginning, soon college students are going back with an optimistic mindset, they want this to be the best year yet. There are high expectations. You’ll be more outgoing, you’ll try to get more time at the library and maybe you’ll get involved with more activities on and off campus. College is a once in a lifetime experience and even in the smallest of towns you can always make it great and have some of the best times of your life. Here is a must do list for this year to make it a more enjoyable, fun-filled year.

1. Meet someone new every single day.

After the first year you have your established friend group, but that group can always be extended, or you can make some friends who also share your major. The first week back is often the easiest to meet and make friends, everyone is adjusting to a new schedule and you have classes with different people- some you may have never seen before. Think about it this way, every new friend you make is another opportunity to build more memories.

2. Go on a road trip, with no planned destination.

Through college there are many long weekend opportunities to take advantage of and to spend this time to have a weekend with you and your closest friends. Just get on the highway and drive until you end up somewhere that looks cool and spend the night there, take off in the morning and go on a different highway in another direction. Some of the best memories made with friends are on road trips and vacations. Take advantage of the short school breaks.

3. Join a club or an intramural sport.

Getting involved on campus with activities outside of class can be a good way to find some interests you were unsure about. After joining a club, they might have different events that you’ll be able to attend since being apart of the club now. This will be a good opportunity to do some networking when considering your life post-college. While also having some fun outside of classes.

4. Go to office hours.

Your professors are there to see you succeed, they list their office hours for you to come see them for any questions you may have. The chances are, if you’re unsure about a topic someone else in the class might be too. So this would be a good time to speak with the professor and they can spend more time on it the following lecture. If you go to the open office hours it will show the professor that you care about that class, and they will make the effort to make you feel more comfortable with the material.

5. Get yourself organized and have a set schedule.

An agenda is your best friend in college. It is the key to keeping yourself organized and never missing an assignment or forget to study for an exam. Breaking it down month-by-month and being able to see ahead of time how to plan your week based on the amount of work there is coming up. By having the agenda it is easier to plan and map out your time. It is crucial to plan in “me” time, without specifically setting aside time for it you may struggle to find the time last minute to relax. Life can get hectic fast in college with the quickly approaching deadlines and studying for exams. Make the time for yourself, and your peace of mind will thank you.

College is an unforgettable part of life, and the memories will be cherished forever. Here’s to making this semester better than the last!