College is where you get to learn and grow as a person. You get to live on your own and figure out who you exactly want to be. Living on your own, handling your classes, meeting new people, and remembering to eat at normal times can be difficult. I have learned not to try to put your computer down on your desk that is underneath your lofted bed in the dark because, yes, you will fall off and not only wake your roommate up but also dent the wall. I also thought it would be a great idea to put my strawberries in the freezer and them defrost them in the refrigerator when I wanted to eat them. This resulted in sticky strawberry juice all over the fridge and the strawberries were inedible. Another cooking mistake was made by my roommate who cuts her avocados with a knife and ended up cutting through her hand and some nerves in it. This same roommate is also guilty of dropping her phone in the toilet on accident. One friend, that is now one of my roommates, had a 30% off coupon at CVS so she decided to get over fifty items. She then thought it would be wise to use the self-check out during peak shopping hours and had five people behind her in line waiting on her to finish her purchase. This same friend also tried to cheat the dinning dollars system by putting soup in a coffee cup so that it would be cheaper. After she had purchased it for the coffee price she spilt it all over the ground and had to pay for another cup of soup for the price that the college set for soup. Another friend bought Mac-n-Cheese and thought that the instructions given on the box was for the microwave so ten minutes later the microwave starts smoking and there was melted plastic so she had to opt for something else to eat that evening. Lastly, I made the mistake of picking the nice person that I did not know who sat beside me in class to be my partner for a project. She ended up being very nice but not very bright and ended up making me do the work twice because she mess it all up the first time because she confused the project. Basically, you can take what you want from this but I would say that you can and will end up make a lot of mistakes in your life. It is good to look back and be able to laugh about them but more importantly to learn from them.
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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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