College can prove to be better than your high school years. You’re given more independence, presented with plenty of opportunities, and spared with a lot of time to enjoy your youth before taking on the responsibilities of “the real world” of adulthood. Knowing these opportunities and experiences can enrich your college life, and it’s not just limited to your academics.
Sure, we’ve been told to study hard so we can succeed in college. But sometimes, you just have to put down your books and go out there to learn. It’s not just attending lots of parties here and there, but also opening yourself to different experiences that can make your college years the best years of your life.
Here are some ways to go out of your college comfort zone:
1. Take electives not related to your major
Colleges offer some interesting elective classes that you can take even if it’s outside of your chosen discipline. You might find one that suits your fancy, ranging from culinary skills to creative writing. The beauty of taking elective classes is that they expand your knowledge while learning about something you love to learn about. This proves that you don’t always have to stick to your required classes related to your majors.
2. Get a part-time job
It’s not that easy juggling academics and work at the same time. But if you want to gain more experiences that you won’t learn inside a classroom, having a job might prove to be a worthwhile experience. It doesn’t only beef up your resume, but it also teaches you important lessons, like honing your people skills and being a responsible human being.
A lot of college students are already working, and if you’re considering finding work to augment your allowance and earn some work experience, you can always use your network to land you a job. Ask someone who’s already working, approach the academic office for some openings for part-time student work, or go for the usual classified ads search.
3. Befriend your peers outside your circle
Reach out to fellow college students who aren’t part of your crowd; you might learn a thing or two from others and leave you with a potential lifetime friend. You don’t have to try so hard to make friends. You can find potential friends from other classes, your org, and even within your dorm. College can teach you about interacting with different kinds of people, and that’s an important skill you must possess.
4. Befriend a trusted mentor
Mitch Albom’s novel, “Tuesdays with Morrie”, narrates about the author’s personal experience with his mentor and his insights about it. Morrie is not only a teacher to Albom, but also a lifetime friend.
You might just find your very own Morrie within the confines of your campus. Learn to really talk with a mentor and listen to their words of wisdom. You don’t always have to talk about academic matters. You’ll know a mentor is a friend when you’ve been with that person who always inspires you to be your best.
5. Venture out of your campus and explore
There are so many ways to enjoy your stay in college, and it doesn’t always have to be within your institution. Know the place of your education by exploring the surrounding towns. You might find some really cool places to hang out in, like a quaint bookstore or an out-of-the-way coffee shop. Don’t live with the regret of staying in your campus for four years and realizing you didn’t really do some exploring at all.
College offers you these life-enriching experiences. You just have to be open and present yourself to such opportunities. Don’t let your college years go to waste; do some growing up by tackling on adventures.
Cameron Haney is a college student who makes the most out of her college years, from writing a superior paper for class to taking a class elective in pie making.