There’s a lot that can be said about a ‘college experience’, but in reality, there’s no right or wrong way to make the most out of your four years at any University. At Hofstra, there are a multitude of events, scenery, and organizations that you can get involved in to make the most out of your time at school, all you have to do is step outside.
Find a balance between school and social life
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Obviously, you’re going to school to get an education, but you can’t bury yourself in homework every day or you’ll be miserable. It’s important not to focus on one thing, but find a good balance between hanging out with friends and going out and making sure your grades are at their best. You can compromise with lunch/study dates, but not procrastinating is definitely also key.
Get involved in different organizations
There are over a hundred organizations on campus, so there is absolutely something on campus tailored toward your interests. There is something for everyone, whether you’re into athletics, community service, Greek life, coloring, choir, or anything in between, there’s bound to be something on campus you’ll enjoy. Not only are there a multitude of clubs that help hone your real-life skills and help build your resume, they’re also a great place to get to know people with similar interests (and maybe even network with later on!).
Explore the area off-campus
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Long Island really has the best of both worlds. On one side, you have the beach and a more suburban community, but go the other way and you’re in one of the biggest cities in the world. END trips are a great way to familiarize yourself with the city, but there is so much to do off-campus that you’ll never get bored. There’s a lot to explore, and especially if you’re from out of state, you’ll find that there’s a lot to discover with the help of the Hofstra shuttles to get you where you want to go.
Maintain good relationships with your professors
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Think of your professors as your bosses, or future bosses. Some of them you may not like, but either way, they could be your ticket to a great recommendation or even the connection that lands you your dream job. Don’t be a kiss-up, but definitely put in work: show up to class on time, hand in your assignments on time, be engaged in discussions, and so on. Professors usually had a great deal of experience in their fields, and you never know when you’ll need to be on one’s good side to help you get ahead.
Take advantage of your department emails
The Hofstra communications department has frequent ScoScoop emails, letting communications students know about different events, scholarships, internship opportunities and more via email – all you have to do is read them every now and then. Hofstra does a lot to give students opportunities, but they’re often missed because people just aren’t paying attention. Don’t be one of those students – be aware, be engaged; you never know what experiences you’ll get out of it.
Go to the athletic games
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While Hofstra doesn’t have a football team, we’re still D1 and have a few teams that are actually really good. Don’t keep telling yourself “oh, I’ll go next game” over and over again; even if you aren’t the biggest sports person, it’s a memorable college experience that you don’t want to miss out on. Plus, you get to hang out with your friends and support your school! A little school spirit never hurt anyone.
Different campuses offer different ways for students to get involved, but there’s a lot to take part in at Hofstra if you open your eyes. Chances are, that next big opportunity or life-changing memory is just a step outside your comfort zone. Why not make the most of your time in college while you’re still there – after all, nothing lasts forever.
Lead image courtesy of Melanie Haid