How to Have the Best College Experience

According to the Education Data Initiative, there are more than 17 million enrolled undergraduate students across the country.

Are you one of the millions of students in college? Whether this is your first or last year in college, it’s never too late to make the most of your time there.

This guide will tell you how to have the college experience you’ve always wanted. Keep reading to learn more.

Talk to Everyone You Can

The best way to have a great experience while in college is to be friendly, and talk to new people. Your college friends are the people who stay in your life for the big moments.

This is the time to step out of your comfort zone and start conversations while in your dorm lounge or class. College can introduce you to people from different states or countries, this offers you the chance to see different world views you wouldn’t be exposed to otherwise.

Learn how to find a college roommate by getting to know people and finding those with a personality that meshes well with yours.

Join Different Clubs

You can also learn how to have the best college experience by joining and participating in different clubs around campus. Join clubs that focus on topics you’re passionate about. This is a great way to find friends with like-minded views of the world.

You can join a film club or religious group if these are interests in your life. Consider joining a few clubs you know nothing about. This can help you develop new interests.

You can also join a sport you played in high school. Greek life gives you the chance to make lifelong friends.

Use the Provided Resources 

Adjusting to life in college can come with some difficulties. The transition can bring about stress and confusion.

All colleges provide students with the necessary resources to succeed. Take advantage of what’s available to you.

If you’re struggling with stress and anxiety during a busy semester, contact your campus mental health services for help. Go to your college writing center if you need help with your essays. There are tutors available for other subjects you might be struggling with too.

College campuses also host many interesting lectures and performances students can attend for free or at a discounted price.

Never Skip Class

While you might want to enjoy the social side of college and attend all the parties you can, it’s important to prioritize your studies too. If you attend the campus mixer the night before, make sure you don’t get home too late to avoid oversleeping and missing your morning class.

There comes a time every semester that gets busy for all students. Midterm and finals week can come with a long list of exams and project deadlines. This might become overwhelming and make you want to skip class.

Skipping class to catch up on studying might seem like a good idea but it’ll only cause you to fall more behind.

Networking Is Key

The best college experience comes to those who learn how to network. Networking will provide you with the connections you need to succeed in your future career.

Keep a close relationship with the faculty and student leaders you want to learn from. Their friendship can teach you the steps you need to take to secure a certain position at your university.

Networking will also help you find an internship and secure a job before you graduate.

Organization Can Help 

It’s easy to get through high school with parents who help you stay organized and on top of your deadlines. Things are a little different once you get to college, however.

College courses are much more challenging than those in high school. The only way to keep your grades up and reduce your stress is to stay organized.

Create a study system that works for you. Keep your desk organized, and use a planner every semester.

It might serve you better to write down important dates, or you might prefer to set reminders on your phone. Make sure you jot down all your due dates at the beginning of the semester. Schedule study time into your week too.

Plan Your Class Schedule in Advance

Planning your semester schedule and registering for classes early is another important component of a successful college experience. While it might take a few months to know the classes offered in the next semester, you should have an idea of what you’d like to take.

Make a list of possible courses you can take and the professors you’d like to have. Register as soon as you’re able, so you can claim your spot before a class fills up.

Go to Office Hours 

Attending office hours is another way to have a great college experience. Building relationships with your professors is just as important as creating friendships with fellow students.

During office hours, you can talk to your professor about challenges you’re facing with the subject matter. This one-on-one time can help you understand the material you didn’t comprehend in class. Your professor can also refer you to resources you need to improve your comprehension.

Office hours can also serve to help you get to know your professor as a person. Having this professional bond will help you when you need recommendation letters for grad school or a new job.

Study Abroad if You Get the Chance 

Your college experience is defined by what you make of it. Study abroad is one of those enriching experiences you have to take if presented with the opportunity.

An exchange program or volunteer work overseas offers the chance to learn a new language, introduce you to a different culture and people, and help you grow as a person. This is also another way to strengthen your resume as well.

You can participate in a study abroad program based on the degree you’re enrolled in. Your volunteer work can focus on issues you’re passionate about, like teaching English to underprivileged children, saving the rainforests, or helping women entrepreneurs around the world.

Take Care of Your Health 

Taking care of your health is vital to preventing chronic illnesses and mental health issues as well. Being healthy will also help you have a better college experience.

If you’re always down with a cold, you can’t attend classes, and you’ll miss out on valuable lessons. If your mental health is struggling, you’ll miss out on all the fun. Make sure you take the time you need to ensure you’re fully present in class and for social events.

Fast and easy meals are the standard for a busy college student, but eating healthy and well-balanced meals will help you improve your performance on exams and in sports. Make sure you’re also getting enough exercise and taking the time to relax when you need a break.

Attend College Events

Attend all the college events you can because you won’t get those opportunities again. Go to every homecoming game and dance.

Go to the concerts and plays your college puts on. universities often book renowned guests to speak to your university, make sure you don’t miss these talks.

Every college has an art department that showcases beautiful exhibits year-round. Visiting these showcases gives you the chance to support your fellow students and admire beautiful art.

Budget Every Semester

Budgeting is another important part of having a good college experience. Many students struggle to pay all their bills while in college.

The cost of college classes, books, housing, food, and a long list of other costs can make the experience difficult. Make a budget at the beginning of each semester. Put aside money for necessities and some for having fun.

Avoid going into too much debt by saving before and during your college years. Apply for scholarships, work-study opportunities, and financial aid to help you pay for college without having to take out too many loans.

Enjoy Your Time 

When you describe your college experience, you want to say you had an experience unlike anything else. College should help you become a professional in your industry but it should also teach you life skills.

Learning to balance responsibilities will allow you to succeed and also have fun. Take the time to enjoy new experiences with new friends. While you’re there to learn, the memories you make are also a valuable part of your experience.

Have the College Experience You’ve Always Wanted With These Tips 

If you want to have the college experience of your dreams, follow some of the tips in this guide. Meet new people by joining different social or academic organizations. Talking to everyone you meet can also help you find the right roommate.

You should also use all the resources available on campus if you want to have a successful college experience. Check out some of the other career and education blogs on our site for more helpful tips.