Have you ever heard someone reminisce about their college days? They often talk about the freedom they had, the friends they made, and all the memories that are still fresh to this day. Although college is far from being the only great period to look forward to, there are opportunities that make it one of the most meaningful in your life. Here are several tips on how to make the most of it.
Embrace Uncertainty and Explore It
When we're in high school, we're often told by teachers and
parents that we need to have a plan for our lives by the time we graduate. But
who really knows what they want to do for the next 50 to 60 years by the time
they're 18? Many students don't realize that you don't even need to declare
a major to start school. In fact, you can make it through an entire year of
school without having a major. Lean into all the questions that pop up right
now in your life. Instead of feeling like you need to have all the answers,
have fun discovering them.
Start Building a Financial Track Record
Once you graduate college, you'll have to think about things
like student loan repayment, renting an apartment, and establishing yourself as
a young adult. It's a lot of pressure, but there's good news. You can start
preparing for adulthood way before you have all the accountability on your
shoulders. Work part-time, and if you can, put money on your student debt while
you're in school. Start a savings account instead of spending all your cash
like it’s an allowance. You'll be grateful to have the money later.
Now is also a good time to apply for your first credit card.
If you're ready to start
managing your own budget, getting the right card is an important decision
to make. It will help you start building a positive credit history, which can
help you do things like get approved for a lease and even get a good job (yes,
some employers do check your credit before hiring). Budgeting in college is
great because you have the safety net of financial aid and any support from
your parents; your expenses are lower, you likely have secure housing, and
there is more room for you to make mistakes than you'll have after graduation.
The money smarts you develop now will serve you well as you move into your
career.
Use Your Weekends Wisely
Sleeping in is great, and while you may love nothing more
than snoozing till noon, there's also a whole world out there to explore. The
truth is that you'll never have more time to explore than you do now, so make
the most of your free time. Skip some parties; take a hike instead. Visit a new
city. Go on a road trip. Have fun spending time with your friends as well as
just being by yourself. You'll benefit from these experiences now and later in
life. During your undergraduate program, your interests are going to change a
lot, and that's wonderful. Have fun indulging all your passions as they come,
and let others go so you can keep pursuing new interests. You never know where
they may lead you. Just make sure to find a side hustle that will offer flexible work hours so it won't get in the way of your studies.
Learn Beyond the Books
Take opportunities to try new things throughout college.
Join clubs, then quit the ones you don't connect with. Stay active in the ones
you love. Try new hobbies and challenge yourself to do at least one new thing
every week if you can. This exercise will help you become more open-minded and
find out who you are and what you want out of life.
Exercise Regularly
You'll feel more energized, get out of your dorm more often,
and lay the groundwork for a healthy transition into adulthood. Consider
joining some college sports or athletic activities as well. You may even just
organize some weekend bike rides or skate nights with friends. Remember, taking
care of your body now is vital to living well years down the line.
See a Therapist
You don't have to wait until you have mental health issues
to reach out to a counselor. In fact, therapy for college students is one of
the many things you can
do to uplift your mood and it can be a great way to tackle any challenges
you're facing and overcome any struggles in a safe, constructive environment.
And if you're holding onto any insecurities, anxieties, or struggling with
anything, counseling can help you work through it, so it doesn't have to get in
the way of you living your best life.
