4 Tips to Get the Best Out of College

My freshman year of college was the best year of my life to date. So much changed for me in the best possible way. Going into the year, I expected to have fun and enjoy freedom from my strict parents, but it ended up being even better than my expectations. Here are four things I did this past school year that can help you have a great college experience too.

1. Push yourself!

This is probably the biggest thing I would encourage anyone to do. My year was as transformative as it was because I challenged myself to do things that were out of my comfort zone. Don’t go crazy, but challenge yourself to do things you’d be too scared to do within reason. If you’re scared to go to a meeting for a club that you’re interested in because you don’t have friends going, just try it out. If you’re hungry and intimidated at the thought of eating alone in a dining hall, go anyway. If you see someone you want to be friends with, but you don’t know feels the same, just try saying hi or complimenting them. These are all small things that may seem terrifying, but a lot of the time if you can push yourself out of your comfort zone, you can be rewarded with the best people and experiences that you’ll ever have.

1. Get involved!

Everyone always says to do it, but it’s for good reason. Joining clubs, sports, and other organizations is a great way to find people who are passionate about the same things that you are. Finding people that you share a passion with can help you learn more about the given topic, and become more confident or skilled in that area. Plus, you might walk away with new best friends!

1. Make an effort!

College is a transition period between childhood and adulthood. With this transition comes more responsibility and a demand for more effort from you. In high school, a lot of the time it’s easy to get good grades with minimal effort. In college, you can study your butt off and still not get the grade you want. In high school, you naturally make friends with people in your classes or people in your clubs. In college, you have to make the extra effort to ask people to hang out outside of that environment if you want a lasting friendship. Making the extra effort can be challenging, but if you do it, the results will make it worthwhile.

1. Live in the moment!

One of my all-time favorite quotes states, “Our lust for future comfort is the biggest thief in live,” and it is so true! A lot of the time we unintentionally wish our lives away. We say things like “I can’t wait until I get my degree” or “I can’t wait until I move out of this tiny dorm room,” and those statements are definitely legitimate complaints. However, instead of focusing on how bad the moment is, think more about all the good things your life has to offer. Yes, it sucks studying for a final, but as soon as it’s over you can go back to having fun with your friends. Living in a tiny dorm room has its challenges, but you’re literally within walking distance of some of your favorite people, and you probably won’t be again after you move out.

College is challenging and difficult at times, but it is the absolute best experience I’ve ever had. With these tips, it can be your best experience too!

Alafia Adeleke is a second-year public relations major. Her biggest loves are Jesus, joy, Harry Styles, and spreading positivity to the rest of the world.