College can be one of the best times of your life so far, as the next four years will be filled with amazing firsts (like first time living with a roommate who's not your sister, or the first time living without your parents!) and memorable experiences (like living in a dorm, taking a class with 400 other students, or rushing a sorority). With so many awesome opportunities at your fingertips, how can you make the most of the next four years? Start by making sure you don't miss out, as you might regret NOT...
...Living in a dorm...
We get it, you just want to be on your own, and honestly, dorms can get kind of icky (communal showers—really?!) and annoying (blasting music at 2 a.m. the night before a big Chem midterm—really?!). But do yourself a favor, and don’t rush to get out of the dorms. Living in the dorms gives you the chance to meet all kinds of new people who you might otherwise never hang out with—and really get to know them. It's good practice for learning to deal with different types of people, and chances are, you’ll find a few new BFFs within those halls. Plus, its kind of nice having someone who can help you with your seminar paper living right down the hall!
...Studying abroad (if you can swing the cost)...
Remember when you were younger, and you used to fantasize about traveling the world? Studying abroad in college is the perfect way to make that dream a reality. If you can make it work, take advantage of one of your school's study abroad programs. Not only will you get to eat delicious food, meet awesome new people, and learn a different language, but you'll also get to experience new places and cultures in a way that will totally open your mind and help you grow. (If that's not enough for you? AMAZING INSTAGRAM PHOTOS.)
...Getting ready for class…sometimes...
Let’s face it, mornings are a struggle—especially when you stayed up until 3 a.m. finishing the essay you forgot about (oops!). In college, rolling out of bed, grabbing your books, and rocking a T-shirt and yoga pants all day is totally acceptable. But once in awhile, skip the snooze button and shower, do your hair, and put on an outfit that doesn't include part (or all!) of your pajamas. Looking put-together shows your teachers that you’re serious about learning, so at least during those first couple of weeks, take the extra 30 minutes in the morning to make a good impression. Plus, the kid sitting next to you might one day become your boss or you her boss, so road-testing some non-bedhead could be a bonus.
...Visiting your high school friends...
Even though you'll be really caught up in everything going on at your own school, separating from your high school BFFs can still be hard. Save up some cash and take advantage of a free weekend to take a road trip to visit your HS friends at their schools. Getting to put faces and visuals with the names of all the people and places they're always talking about will help you stay connected even when it feels like you're living completely different lives. Plus, as much as you may love your college (obvi!), it's good to see what life is like outside of your campus, too! You can even bring some of your new college friends along for the ride. Not only will your new and old friends get to bond, but their dining hall might be a refreshing break from yours. Or at least their pizza places...
...Taking a class just because you're interested...
You have four years to complete your major. Take a class or two just because it sounds interesting, not just because it’s required. These are the classes that you'll excel in and value the most because you genuinely want to be there. And who knows, maybe it could help your find your major or minor, or lead you down the path to your dream career.
...Joining a club...
Whether it’s a social organization like Greek life, or an academic group like the newspaper, joining a club has TONS of benefits. Not only is it a great way to meet new people (and possibly some cuties!), but it also looks great to future employers! Getting involved on campus shows that you can balance multiple projects, can be a team player, and are willing to go above and beyond what is expected of you, not to mention, it's a great way to pick up some skills that might prove handy on a resume. So go to the Activities Fair your first week (even if it sounds totally lame), and sign up for at least one activity.
...Taking advantage of your professors' office hours...
Back in HS, your teachers would come to you if there was a problem with your homework or if you totally bombed a quiz, and there was usually an opportunity to make it up, or at least it gave you time to try to turn things around before the end of the semester. Unfortunately, college is not like that. It's on you to take ownership of your grades, stay on top of how you're doing in your classes, and get help when you need it. Even though your first year is going to be hectic, take the time to meet with professors. Most hold office hours when you can talk to them about anything from an upcoming paper or something in class you didn't understand to why you didn't get the grade you wanted on your midterm. A lot of profs also hold special review sessions before exams: GO!
...Switching to the major you really want...
It’s hard to believe that at the ripe age of 18 we're supposed to know exactly what we want to do with our lives. While there are some people who are #blessed and do know, it’s totally fine if you don’t (or if you change your mind!). Your first couple years of college are meant for discovering your passions, and changing your major is kind of like deciding what to wear in the morning—sometimes you have to try on a few different outfits before you find the perfect one. So if it turns out history or finance or pre-law just isn't for you, don't just stick with your major just because you don't want to start over or you'd been set on becoming a lawyer ever since you saw Legally Blonde. Focusing on what interests you is generally the best recipe for finding success, and you'll be much happier studying that all those hours at the library. Don’t be afraid to change your major once or twice (or four times…oops).
...Investing in a decent backpack.
You may be attached to your fave high school bag, but it might not cut it for college (there's no locker to keep going back to between periods). You’ll be carrying textbooks, notebooks, and a laptop with you basically everywhere you go, so get a sturdy (and stylish) backpack that’s up for the job. A two-strapper will help you avoid a seriously sore back or shoulder, and backpacks are totally trendy now, so you'll have no trouble finding the perf one to fit your style.
...Dating someone who's not your "type."
College is for trying new things—and that includes relationships. Normally into jocks? Chat up a musician! Dating different types of people helps you decide what you are really looking for in someone. That way when it comes time to DTR, you’ll know just what you want to do. And hey, you might be surprised by who you fall for!
...Cheering on your school at a game.
Even if you're more interested in what the players look like than what they are doing on the field, college sporting events can be so much fun! There’s nothing like showing your school spirit and rooting for your team with friends. So spend a Saturday afternoon or Tuesday night cheering on your school. Talking about the game could be the perfect, non-awkward way to chat up your crush!
Take a deep breath and enjoy this summer with your college-bound son or daughter. The house will be very quiet in September! chrissie
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