As the semester and my time in college comes to an end, I can’t help thinking back to my experience as a first-year student and the swirl of emotions that came with moving to a new state to start my college journey, where I knew nobody and was thrown into classes, socializing, and adulting all at once. Here are five things I would tell my younger self and any underclassman feeling a bit overwhelmed by the daunting concept of this time being the best of your life.
Do Things You Love
Classwork can pile up fast, leading to stressful times, so it is important to always make time to do the things you love. Join clubs and organizations that act as brain breaks from your busy schedule to relax and remember to enjoy yourself. I joined Dance Company to continue my passion, make time for group exercise classes every week, and like to bake with friends sporadically late at night. Little pieces of joyful activities scattered throughout your week will make your college journey a whole lot more fulfilling.
Friendships Make the Experience
I met some of my best friends at Loyola, and they truly made my college experience the best it could be. Don’t be scared early on to ask people if they want to grab food together, explore campus, or go to a random event. It does not matter what you do at college, just who you do it with. I attended a lengthy leadership lecture with one of my roommates that would usually put me to sleep, but because we did it together, we made some unforgettable memories.
Explore Every Opportunity
You are in a new place, with new people, and so many new freedoms. Take advantage of everything your university has to offer to make the most of your experience. I went to a pop-up class on bookbinding and made a new notebook, I took a long-form audio class and created my own podcast, and I even got to go to Disney World with my marketing class over one spring break. Now is the time to try new things because it is okay to fail and keep learning.
Study Your Niche
Become obsessed with your major, and good things will happen. As a communication and media major, I joined clubs and professional organizations such as our school newspaper The Greyhound, the Public Relations Student Society of America, Loyola’s literary magazine Corridors, and of course, HerCampus. I found my role in each of these clubs and was able to try out things I aim to do in my future career. By joining major-focused activities, you can apply to internships and jobs and have some experience to talk about.
Be Bold
Now is the time to take risks and be your wildest self. I took a leap and studied abroad in Copenhagen for a semester, and it was one of the best decisions I ever made. College is the time to see and learn more about the world. You can also be bold in the little choices you make: take the bull by the horns and take the challenging class that sounds interesting, go cheer on your sports team a little too loudly, and always make sure to dance like no one is watching.