College is expensive, so it is important to make the most of it. But it is also important that you don’t overwhelm yourself either. What do you think are the 7 most important things to do/experience in college (co-ops, research, study abroad, etc.)?
To make the most out of your college experience I would say join clubs, study abroad, try out for a sport, make the most of your social life, use the resources that are available to you in college.
This ia all a matter of opinion…for my own kid I hope for the following…
- Maintaining perspective that the primary reason for being at college is to study, learn, and earn a degree.
- Make connections, academically and socially, some of which will be sustained for a lifetime.
- Learn to be an adult and live in the adult world in a safe somewhat gradually releasing way.
- Start to figure out what one wants to do when “they grow up” but maintain openness that this will change and evolve over time.
- Develop and expanded and open view of the world though meeting people from various walks of life and cultures and possibly from study abroad experiences if they fit in with plans.
- If joining clubs or other activities, engage with commitment and contribute.
- In the end, do things that will eventually make the world a better place.
My opinion:
- Take a class or join some groups that challenge/contradict a set of your beliefs
- Taking an internship or two in your area of study
- Attend networking events put on by the university
- If you live in or near a new city, explore it during your free time
- Use spring break to do something other than party: go to another country or volunteer with a humanitarian group
- Develop some sort of working-relationship with professors in your field of study (and keep in contact after graduation)
- Make friends with people different than you: different political leanings, religions, from other countries, etc
- Meet people. Whether you go Greek, form study groups, join a religious congregation, be an athlete ... just mingle. The saying "It doesn't matter what you know as much as it matters who you know" isn't jibberish, and there really is an "Old Boys Club" in every major city (girls included). You would be amazed at how much influence those social connections matter when you want a new job, a new client, or a letter of recommendation. And, on the flip side, you might want/need their input when you want to hire someone someday.
- And ... take a golf class. There really are lots of business decisions being made on golf courses. Plus, it is good exercise. Your body will thank you when you're 50.
- Learn to work smarter, not harder. This includes learning to budget your time and priorities, and allowing others who are more knowledgeable to help you.
- Take a class in ballroom dancing - it's fun. And, if you're a guy, I promise that girls everywhere will flirt with you endlessly if you are a good lead. I've seen some pretty dorky guys be the hit of the dance floor all because they can dance.
- Travel - but expand the trip beyond regular tourist itineraries. (I don't think it matters whether you are there to study or backpack on your own - just go.)
- Save your money. Trust me, you'll need that interview outfit more upon graduation that you'll need the designer athletic shoes now.
- Do something - one thing - that you'll never want to tell your children about.
@tutumom2001 I love your list. I am copying it into my files to share with my kids the summer before they leave for college.
On golf - one LAC we visited this summer offered “golf for business” as a PE elective. I thought that was a great course offering. I have tried to encourage my kids to take up at least one “lifelong sport” they all took pretty well to swimming…but golf definitely has a social aspect that swimming doesn’t have.
- Create a relationship with a professor in your major. Visit them at office hours or do research with them.
- Take advantage of activities/events in and around your college.
Keep the big picture in sight all the way through. Get in, get your degree, and move on to the next stage whether it’s grad school or work.
Be wary of advice from people who REALLY want to tell you what to do and are not your parents/relatives.
party
network
get a decent gpa for a job
- Grades are way up there in importance. Don't forget that the main reason you are at college is to get an education.
- Making friends and having a social life is also pretty important. In my experience, staying cooped up in your dorm room all the time can be very depressing. Make an effort to join clubs, sports, activities, etc. so that you can meet people and avoid being bored and lonely.
- A lot of colleges have really unhealthy food options, so be careful about what you eat. I gained 15 pounds my freshman year, and I felt sluggish and miserable. Don't neglect your health.
- Don't go home every weekend. Just like staying cooped up in your dorm room all the time, this can take away from your college experience.
- Don't just assume you'll be able to drive your car to class. I tried it, and I could never find a parking place at any of the buildings my classes were in. They were all either taken or handicap. In the end, the $130 I spent on a parking pass was a waste of money. All colleges may not be like this, but be prepared to walk to class or ride the bus (both of the colleges I've attended have had really great transportation systems).
- Before you start taking classes, make sure you actually know what career you are interested in and what major you want to declare. It seems like an overwhelming task, but it'll keep you from wasting time and money by changing your major several times.
- College can be stressful, but don't forget to have fun!