10 ways to maximize your college experience

This post is about 10 simple ways to get the most out of your college experience.

If you’re in college, chances are you’re only there for a few years and you’re spending a lot of money to be there. SO, you might as well make the most of your time in college. Here are 10 ways to do just that:

1. go to class.

You (or your parents, or scholarships) are already paying for your tuition, so you might as well get a return on the investment. Even if you don’t think you need the lectures to succeed in the class, you might just make a friend or discover a passion for something new.

2. Get involved in something.

I guarantee you your college has a club or group that you’d be interested in. If it doesn’t, make one yourself!

3. don’t neglect your physical health.

It can be so easy to get caught up in classes, studying, your social life, but don’t neglect your basic physical needs. Get some sleep. Drink water. Take a shower. Eat three (nutritional) meals a day. It’s crazy how much you’re able to enjoy life when you’re awake and healthy for it!

(Posts coming soon on healthy living in college!)

4. Be willing to address conflict with roommates. 

Rather than letting little things fester and build up, do your best to address conflict as soon as it comes up. Be willing to compromise on things like when you turn the lights out, but don’t let yourself be walked on by saying yes to everything your roommate requests.

Getting past conflict is a valuable life skill and you’ll be able to enjoy your time with your roommate(s) more if there’s no weird tension. 

5. Make a budget. And stick to it.

My first semester, I said yes to everything because I didn’t want to miss out. This lead me to spend a lot of money and I quickly regretted not making myself stick to a stricter budget. F.O.M.O. is real, but it’s okay to say no in the name of boundaries and saving money.

See 30 Free/Cheap Things To Do in College

6. Use the campus rec center.

How many times in your life will you have a free (okay, pre-paid) gym membership?! Take advantage of it! You’d be surprised the amount of equipment and resources a college rec center can have. 

TIP: Take a friend and/or ask for a tour of the facilities if you’re nervous about going to the gym for the first time. I promise, it’s not that scary, and your future self will thank you. 😉

7. Go to free events. 

Again, chances are, you already pay some sort of “student activities” fee, so take advantage of it! Grab a group of friends and enjoy the “free” movie nights, pizza, college swag, bingo nights, raffles, etc.

8. Don’t fear your professors.

Yes, it’s a little different than high school (they’re being paid a lot to be there and they may have a lot of letters by their name), but they’re also human and have been in your shoes before. Don’t be afraid to reach out and attend office hours if you need help or simply want to discuss a topic of interest further. 

I’m gonna let you in on my (school) life secret: 

If you’re a good student and kinda “prove yourself” by going to class and getting decent grades, you’re probably on your professor’s good side and far more likely to get a ‘yes’ when asking for an extension when you really need it or a “I trust you” when explaining why you won’t be in class. 😉 If you rarely go to class and have a bunch of late work, don’t expect sympathy from your professor.

9. Make the most of your free time/time between classes.

Got 20 minutes before your next class? Finish a quick assignment. Take a nap. Call your mom or a friend from back home. Do NOT waste it scrolling on your phone. Make the most of the time you have and do something that will help the rest of your day/week. 

10. Get off campus.

Whether your school is centrally located in a major city or in the middle of nowhere, I guarantee you can find fun things to do off campus. There’s nothing like a weekend reset of taking a break from homework and trying a new restaurant or coffee shop or just getting outside and enjoying time with friends. 

I hope these tips encourage you to make the most of your few short years in college.

Do you have more ideas on how to maximize your time in college? Leave a comment below!