When you think of your desired “college experience,” what immediately comes to mind? Parties? Academics? Social life? Perhaps all of the above? College is an exciting time in your life filled with new experiences, people and places. However, for that very reason, it might also be one of the most stressful times, as you want to ensure that you are doing everything to make the most of your time.
Juggling classes, extracurriculars and social life is hard work. So how can you take advantage of your college experience and get the most out of it? Here are some tips to help you make the most of your college years, as everyone should.
Networking is key
The most important thing you can do in college is network. Networking is not only beneficial for your career, but it will also help you find friends, mentors and a support system when you need it most. College is a breeding ground for opportunity, so you must capitalize on it. Talk to people, attend mixers and participate in on-campus events and organizations. You never know where your connections will lead you.
Try new things
This is the perfect time to try new things and break out of your comfort zone. You never know what you might discover about yourself! Participate in a sport, join a club, go to cultural events, travel, volunteer; do anything that interests you. Not only is it fun, but it’s a great way to meet new people, learn new skills, gain confidence and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Universities understand the value of extracurricular activities, not only for their ability to bolster your resume, but also for their inherent social aspect. To encourage students to join clubs and organizations, many universities publish lists of the clubs they offer. One such example can be found here. Make sure that you join clubs that cater to your hobbies. This way, attending meetings will not feel like a chore and you will be connected with people with similar interests as you.
Travel
If you have the means, you should absolutely travel in college. Most universities offer study abroad programs to encourage their students to travel. These programs are spectacular as you can choose where you want to go and what you want to study. However, studying abroad is not the only way in which you can travel while attending university. There are many organizations that seek to provide students with the means to travel while studying. College trips to America, with the organization Diversity Study Trips, is one example. Although not directly through a university, these organizations provide an equally fulfilling educational experience.
Travel gives you a whole new perspective on life. You get to see how other people live their daily lives, try different food and experience new cultures. It’s an amazing way to learn about yourself and what you want out of life, and these are exactly the type of questions you should be attempting to answer in your university years!
Don’t procrastinate – Organize your time
It’s very easy to get caught up in the fun of college and put off your school work until the last minute. However, you must remember that, above all, you are in college to receive an education.
In order to succeed, you have to learn how to manage your time.
One of the best ways to stay organized and on top of your work is to use a planner. And remember, it’s okay to ask for help when you need it. There are tons of apps, websites and tools that can help you stay on track with your schedule and make the most of your time. Here are some Time Management Tips for Busy College Students!
Take care of yourself
College is a fun and exciting experience, but it can also be very stressful and tiring. One of the best things you can do for yourself is to make sure you’re taking care of your mental and physical health. Make sure you get enough sleep, eat healthy and exercise. This will help keep you healthily and ready to take on the challenge of school and extracurriculars. It’s also a great way to relieve stress and have some me time! A great idea for taking care of yourself is to establish a good, relaxing skincare routine. Invest in affordable skincare and take the time at the end of the day to unwind.
There are tons of ways you can make the most of your experience in college. It is the perfect time to try new things, discover new interests, meet new people and challenge yourself. But in order to do this, you have to be organized, manage your time and most importantly, take care of yourself.
