Going abroad

Studying abroad is one of the best opportunities college has to offer. It’s a chance to live in an entirely new environment, expand your cultural knowledge and become a more independent person. You will learn more about yourself than you thought you ever could, and I promise you will return an entirely new person (in a good way).

Applying for a leadership role

Aside from boosting your resume, leadership teaches important life skills that every person should know when graduating college. Step out of your comfort zone and find a leadership role in an organization that interests you and that you can commit to.

Going to the gym

It’s free! After graduation, you’ll have to pay for housing, food, transportation AND a gym membership. You’ll definitely wish you had taken advantage of the free equipment while you had it. Plus, the freshman 15 (and not to mention the abroad 15) will sneak up on you.

Going to more events

Most college events will have notable speakers, networking opportunities, useful information, and FREE FOOD. You probably don’t even know what you’re missing. Make sure to look through the cultural calendar and actually read the weekly emails that your school sends out.

Going out

Once you graduate and start working full time, you’ll realize you won’t have the time or energy to go out on Tuesday or Thursday nights anymore. Appreciate your college years and make the most of them! While studying should always be at the top of your list, it’s also important to let loose and have fun.

Playing intramural sports

Do you ever get nostalgic when thinking about high school and playing on different sports teams? Just because you aren’t playing varsity in college doesn’t mean there aren’t opportunities to keep up your athletic talents. Check out the different intramurals and club sports that your school has to offer – you might even find some interesting new sports to try such as wallyball or corn hole.

Participating in school spirit

Why go to college if you aren’t going to partake in school spirit? Go to college coffee, go to sporting events, and support and be proud of your university. You’ll wish you had better attendance when you’re looking back at these years as an alum.

Taking classes outside your major

You’ll never again have the chance to explore a different field and have it count towards graduation credit. Interested in taking an art class but majoring in finance? Go for it. Just because it doesn’t apply to your major or minor doesn’t mean it’s a complete waste of time.

Getting a part-time job

You will appreciate the extra cash even if it isn’t much. Working a few hours each week is totally doable and will pay for your alcohol and “going out to eat” budgets. Plus, your parents will definitely appreciate that you’re not always asking for extra cash.

Taking more pictures

There’s no better way to remember college than through photos. Try to capture as many memories as you can – maybe even snap a picture to document every night you and your friends go out. You’ll be sad too look back at your college career and only have the photos your mom took on move-in day.