As a junior, I am definitely starting to see the shiny gate of graduation in my future. As happy as I am to receive my diploma and start my adult life, I will miss my time in Binghamton and will always reminisce on the good memories I’ve made here. I have truly had the time of my life, and plan to make the most of my senior year. In other words, I am not going quietly. Here is my College Bucket List, filled with things I have accomplished and a few that you will definitely be hearing about in the future.
- Paint a Beer Pong Table
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Although I am not the most artistic person, this is something I have accomplished! Painting a pong table is a prime college experience, and will be with you for years. There are so many creative designs you can find on Pinterest or TikTok that can make your table a real talking point. You don’t even have to use it for Beer Pong! It’s a great way to spend time with friends and add a touch of your own personality to a monotone Binghamton apartment. Plus, imagine how interesting it’s going to be to explain it to your parents when they are moving you out post-graduation.
- Visit your friends at another college
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As much as I wish my entire High School friend group came up to Binghamton with me, many of them chose schools that were right for them. Visiting them at their own schools definitely makes up for the distance! Taking a trip to campus you don’t know and experiencing life there for a few days is so much fun, and should be at the top of your College Bucket List. The pandemic has made these trips a little difficult, but as the world gets back to normal, I hope to see you all on Greyhound buses, on route to party at a different school.
- Study Abroad
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Sadly, due to these unprecedented times, studying abroad is something I have not yet crossed off my list. As a travel lover, I had always planned to spend a semester in a foreign country, and have the time of my life. With everything that has happened and my plans for the future, I can’t make that dream a reality. Hopefully, I can take a small abroad trip over the winter to make up for that. As for all of you, definitely try to make time in your semester schedules to take a trip. You will never have this opportunity again, so make it count.
- Go to an Athletic event
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So we all know that Binghamton isn’t known for its sports. We don’t even have a football team! But going to a sporting event is just a part of the college experience. So, grab your friends and go to a basketball or baseball game. If on-campus events aren’t your style, head downtown and see a Black Bears or Rumble Ponies game. My friends and I go to hockey games time, and it truly makes you feel like you are at a Big 10 school instead of a SUNY.
- Go to a Formal
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Even if you aren’t in Greek Life, attending a Formal is one of those college experiences everyone hears about. The struggles of getting dressed up, selecting the perfect date, and finding a way home after consuming a little too much peach schnapps at Thai Time are very important to the Binghamton culture. So if you are in a fraternity or sorority, attend your formal! If you are in a club or other organization, convince them to have one! You are going to want to look back at the pictures you have from these events in the future. I have gone to my share of formals, and can’t wait to go to more next year.
- Pull an all-nighter
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To be honest, I really don’t recommend this. I’ve checked this box way too many times and it’s not helpful at all. But, all-nighters, whether it be for studying or parties, are an iconic part of the college experience. Hopefully, unlike me, you will only have to do these once or twice.
- Spring Break trip
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Much like the study abroad experience, I have been unable to achieve this goal just yet. I am extremely jealous of everyone’s Ft. Lauderdale and Cabo adventures though, so next spring I am definitely buying a plane ticket. Spring Break only exists in college, so make the most of your years here and go get sunburnt in the Caribbean for a few days while tasting fruity cocktails and dancing until your feet bleed. I can’t wait to see you there.
- Break a table
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This one is probably confusing for people who don’t go to school in New York, but jumping and breaking a folding table is just one of those things you have to do before you leave your SUNY school and become a real adult. My friends and I have made plans to go to a Buffalo Bills tailgate next fall and complete this goal. It may hurt, but the memories are definitely going to be worth it.
Overall, college is what you make of it. Act stupid, make mistakes, and have fun. Do everything you want to do before you graduate, because it’s only four years, but the memories will last a lifetime.