As I near college graduation, I can see how my schooling has sharpened my skills and my thinking. I appreciate the differences in myself as a freshman and myself as a senior in my final semester. That said, there are a few things I wish I’d done differently during my college career. If you’re still in school, these might help kickstart your thoughts about what you’d like to do while you’re still in school.
Worry less about grades
I pretty much made my GPA my life during college. I remember sitting in the cafeteria and resolving to graduate my community college with a 4.0, simply because I wanted to try. There’s nothing wrong with that resolution, and I was a good student. But I worried far too much about the grades and put a massive amount of time into making sure they were perfect. It stole a lot of fun from my college experience.
Join clubs
Speaking of fun, I wish I’d joined more clubs. I was part of some clubs, for a while. I was on the school’s newspaper at the community college. At my university, I attended a workout class one semester. But if I could redo my college career, I’d take the time to connect with a group of people who shared my interests. It was hard for me to become really involved because I commuted to school, but the time I did spend with clubs was some of the most fun I had as a student.
Talk to more people
I stayed busy throughout school. A lot of times when I was on campus and not in class, I was studying. Now I wish that I had spoken to more people and done a little more hanging out, instead of surfing the internet and doing homework. As a commuter, I lacked connection to the campus and the people there, but my constant rushing and distraction didn’t help that.
Bring snacks
This is more or less self-explanatory. I found myself at the vending machine a lot for those late night classes. If I had been better at planning, I would have had better (larger, healthier, and cheaper) snacks in my bag.
Don’t procrastinate
It is the custom of college students everywhere to procrastinate outrageously on their homework. Honestly, it’s not worth it. It’s not worth it at all. I spent 36 hours marathoning a research paper in the two days before it was due once, and it was terrible. Procrastination will cost you somehow.
I can’t redo my college experience, but I can make the most of the little I have left. Overall, college was a positive part of my life; the things I’ve listed didn’t ruin it, they just could have made it better. If you are still in college, consider what you’ll miss most if you don’t take the opportunity, and make the memories while you have the chance.
