5 Ways to Make the Most of Your First Year of University
Going to college is definitely an experience that can change your life. Now is the time when you build your career, when you develop new skills, but mostly the time when you can have fun. The events that occur, the people that you meet, the courses that you attend or the books that you read will have an impact on your life. They will shape your personality, and they will help you achieve the life that you have been dreaming of.
We’ve made a list of five ways in which you can make the most of your first year of university.
- Meet new people & make friends
If you want to survive college, then you need to have some people by your side. The friendships that you consolidate now can last for a lifetime. Even though you are an introvert, you can try to socialize, especially in your first weeks of college. Sometimes, college proves to be difficult, and you will need moral support and advice. Real friends will always be there for you no matter what. Besides, friendship isn’t just about sharing the worst moments of your life, but the greatest too.
Also, meeting new people will teach you how to accept other points of view that are different from yours.
- Develop new skills & find new hobbies
College is about learning and discovering. So, next time you do something, ask yourself: “What will I learn from this?” It doesn’t have to something big or extremely adventurous. For instance, now that you are away from home, you can start cooking. Start with something simple like a salad or French fries and, in time, you will develop cooking skills.
Also, find new hobbies or enjoy the older ones. So, if you’re passionate about music, start your own band or go to concerts.
Moreover, take advantage of the fact that you are a student and go visit museums or art galleries. Most of them have reduced prices or free admission for students. And who knows? Maybe you will find your passion there.
- Work out and eat healthy
Usually, students tend to neglect their health and exaggerate with drinking alcohol and eating fast food. No one said that you aren’t allowed to do this, but you have to do it in moderation. Balance is the key to a healthy life. You may say that eating healthy is expensive, but in reality, it’s not. If you know how to manage your money, you can eat healthy food. Plus, you can look online for different recipes if you don’t know what to cook next. Also, it doesn’t hurt to go for a run from time to time or for a walk.
- Join a society
One of the ways to meet new people is to join a society. This will also help you have something extra on your CV and recruiters really like students with extracurricular activities. You can search online details about a certain society or you can go to the society’s fair that is held at the beginning of the school year. There are three types of student organizations. First, there are sports societies, then subject based societies (that are related to the academic work), and the third category is based on activities like learning how to manage a business. Each one of them has their benefits. Most of the societies organize events, so this can help you develop your planning skills. Moreover, you will do plenty of teamwork, and this will be of great aid you in your future career.
- Have fun
I know it sounds like a cliché, but it’s important to take a break from all the academic activities and go out. Besides, you should take advantage of the free time you have as a freshman. If you don’t like to party, here are some fun ideas that you and your friends can try:
- Go to a music festival. Nothing compares to listening to your favorite band live, while you’re surrounded by your best friends. Plus, festivals offer other activities that you can enjoy.
- Movie night. If you and your friends aren’t in the mood to go out, stay in and watch movies or a TV series. All you need is popcorn and a positive attitude.
- Have a picnic. At lunch, you can go to a park and have a picnic.
- Cooking night. Have you wondered how chocolate strawberry pancakes taste like? Gather your friends at your place and spend some time together cooking.
- Go on a road trip. If you don’t have any assignments to do during the weekend, then you should start packing.
In college, you create the most beautiful memories. Make sure you have the right people with you and start exploring. It’s the time of your life, and you should take advantage of it.
