With the semester coming to a close and classes finally wrapping up, I find myself feeling a little conflicted. It’s definitely been a long semester, and I’m relieved to have a much-needed summer break to look forward to. However, at the same time, I find it bittersweet to think about the limited time you get to be a college student.
Although it can be a challenging time in life, it’s also so different from anything else you experience. With this, I try to take advantage of the many ways to embrace everything that college life has to offer.
- Taking Advantage of Campus Events
-
One of my favorite parts about being a college student is the access to a variety of events on campus. It feels like almost every day there’s a new opportunity to experience something new, collect stuff, and connect with the community, not to mention the events are almost always free!
I really try not to take for granted the access to free, unique experiences because I know it’s something that might not be available to me later in life. I feel like half of the time I step on Landis Green, there are animals to pet, free snacks, or almost anything else I could ever want to do ready and at my fingertips.
Something I definitely want to work on next semester is going to more on-campus events consistently. Usually, if I walk past something I didn’t know was going on, and I didn’t make plans with friends to stop in, then I won’t go. I want to change that!
As important as it is to have reliable friends in college, it’s also a time to become comfortable in yourself and explore your own independence. I think a great way to start will be by challenging yourself to go to something fun on campus alone!
- Spending Time on Campus
-
Especially with the absolutely beautiful campus we have here at FSU, one of the best ways to embrace college life is to prioritize spending more time on campus than you might otherwise spend at home. I lived in an on-campus dorm last year, and as much as I’ve loved my apartment this year, I do miss walking outside of my dorm and being surrounded by beautiful campus scenery and other college students.
It can be tempting to go home in between and after class, but I’ve noticed how much more content and connected to the community I feel when I spend my free time on campus. Seeing everyone interact with one another and be productive inspires me to do the same.
Spending time on campus has also helped me romanticize my love for nature and community. Being surrounded by beautiful plants and nature here has made me realize how beneficial this is for my mental health, and how important it is for me to have access to that in later phases of life.
- Watching College Content
-
Whenever I’m feeling unmotivated in my classes or like I’m tired of college life, one way I like to help get myself out of the slump is by watching social media content created by other students to remind myself of ways to take life a little slower and soak in the everyday.
One creator I really love who documents how she romanticizes college life is Sara Hendry. She posts the cutest and most colorful TikToks highlighting moments in her life, whether that be studying, going to the gym, or how she starts her mornings before class.
When I watch this type of content, it reminds me to put more intention and thought into how I spend my time and to embrace my surroundings. I think every college student should keep up with creators who are relatable, yet challenge them to remain sentimental towards their limited time in college.
College life absolutely has its ups and downs, and there are times when everything that comes with being a student is difficult to juggle. However, there are still so many resources available to us that can help us reconnect with ourselves and our community!
Want to see more HCFSU? Be sure to follow us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and Pinterest!