Make sure to go get Starbucks; know when pumpkin spice latte season is; Instagram the s*** out of everything; buy Uggs every winter but wear them every in summer; know all the lines to "Mean Girls" and "Pitch Perfect" by heart; Like this weather right now, I literally can’t even; date a guy, get a boyfriend, date another guy, get another boyfriend, date another guy and another guy; just date; go to Lake Geneva every summer; take Snapchats of the entire trip; filters are your specialty; go to college and make sure you get into that sorority; You have a friend who is black? Wait, you have a few???; purse your lips and squat for pictures and point at the camera; one,two, thr-...WAIT!; *cue flipping of hair and aching of back*; wear makeup; wear makeup that makes you look like you’re not wearing makeup; wear makeup for black and brown girls as contour; What’s the name of your Spanish friend again?; your blonde hair will get you places and into places; braid your hair into boxer braids, braid your hair into cornrows because Kylie Jenner did; Halloween time is sexy time and your chance to dress up like a chola; Wait, do you actually know what cultural appropriation is?; don’t act basic while looking basic; live in the suburbs, the Metra is your only means of transportation; You're white so you don’t really have a culture. I mean you’re Italian, but still you’re white; you’re privileged, recognize your privilege; Trust me I completely understand my privilege, but I’m also a girl...make sure to look cute but not too cute; you’re still privileged...kind of, not really, but you’re still white; pierce your cartilage; get that arrow tattoo that you saw on Pinterest; wear everything PINK, even though it’s not actually pink; You’re a size 14? No way, you so are not; yoga pants, yoga pants, yoga pants; make sure to forget your sunscreen when you go to the beach; Drake is the only rapper you know thanks to "Degrassi"; Oh my god, let’s go to Chinatown, it’s so ethnic; North Face fleeces; be obsessed with Vera Bradley and Vineyard Vines; “literally” is your favorite word; Like I literally say it like literally all the time; “like” is your second favorite word; you wish you were one of Taylor Swift’s best friends, but not really because she’s been getting really annoying lately and Calvin Harris is “bae”; Why can you say the “N” word, but I can’t?; go to all music festivals but only go for the EDM stage to get “turnt”; You seriously want to go see Paul McCartney? He wrote that one song, right?; wear that flower crown like a “boss ass b*tch”; high top white converse ALL THE TIME; use the term “ghetto” loosely; feel intimidated when a person of color walks down the sidewalk outside your fenced in house; beware of the “black hallway” and “hispanic hallway” in high school; when referring to Latinos or Latinas, saying Mexican or Spanish is easier; I don’t mean to sound racist, but…; you tell everyone you wish Bernie Sanders was your grandpa; buy a Polaroid camera from Urban Outfitters; your mom loves Kohls and you secretly love it, too; abuse #blessed; love everything naked: Naked juice, the Naked palette by Urban Decay...but if you don’t look like Gigi Hadid, forget about actually getting naked...
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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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