The college experience is different for every student. You may often hear the phrase, “College is what you make of it.” To get the most out of your college experience, you will need to make a concerted effort to maximize the return on your investment. In addition to your education, your time in college needs to include a variety of social and extracurricular activities to give you a well-rounded experience. Here are some ways that you can maximize your college experience.
Build Relationships with Your Professors
Success in college is highly dependent on the relationships you build with your professors. One of the best ways to get the most out of your college experience is to put effort into building relationships with your professors. Make a point to introduce yourself and let your professors know your goals for their course. Visit your professor during office hours to ask for help and to deepen your learning on the subject. Be sure to reach out to your professor via email when you have questions. The more you put yourself out there with your professors, the more willing they may be to help you when you need it. When your professors need volunteers or have research opportunities, you may come to mind first.
Take Classes outside of your Major
College is the best place to try new things. While a major can help you focus on your career goals, there are many other classes offered in college that can expand your horizons. Taking classes outside of your major can help you learn new skills and approach problems differently. You may find a new passion or learn something about yourself by taking a class that is outside your major. You may never get another opportunity to explore other areas of study, so you must take advantage of all of the offerings at your fingertips while in college.
Find Your Interests and Get Involved
College campuses are full of extracurricular activities like clubs, intermural sports, and on-campus events. Visit a club fair or check out your college’s website to see what extracurriculars are available to you. Clubs and activities are the best way to try new things and make new friends. You can develop new hobbies or build skills that are unique to the clubs on a college campus. Find what you enjoy and get involved with clubs that align with your interests. Join a publication, play on an intermural sports team, or join a hobby-specific group. You never know what opportunities may arise from your involvement in intermural activities.
Get a Summer Internship
A summer internship may be the key to your future. There are plenty of opportunities around every college campus. Whether your internship is offered by your college, like summer research or a university job, or it is at a local business or organization, it is a great way to build new skills and gain experience. Summer internships can help you get your foot in the door in your career field and help you make connections that can serve you later in life. Some colleges require students to complete an internship so it could be a great opportunity to fulfill your requirements while learning something new on the job.
Ask for Help When you Need it
The faculty and staff on a college campus are there to help you succeed. If you are struggling in a class, you must reach out for help. The first place to go for help is your professor. A quick email or a visit to office hours can be very helpful for your academic success.
Colleges usually offer other support systems to help you succeed. If you are struggling with a writing assignment or an essay, your college’s writing center is a great way to develop your writing skills or get an extra set of professional eyes on your work. Many colleges also offer tutoring sessions on campus from Teacher’s assistants, professional tutors, or other students. Reaching out for tutoring can help you learn the content faster and complete your assignments successfully.
Study groups are also a valuable way to get the help you need. If you are struggling in a class, consider reaching out to your classmates to set up a study group outside of class. This can help you collaborate with others to gain a deeper understanding of the content while building relationships with your peers. It is also a good way to develop the valuable skill of collaboration.
Help is also available if you are struggling with your mental or physical health. Most colleges and universities offer a variety of mental health services if you are struggling. Counseling is available to help you manage stress and anxiety. You may also have access to support groups to help you fortify your mental health and manage your mind to better succeed. Physical health needs can be met by your college’s health services department. Asking for help can help you gain the support you need to make the most out of your college experience. Your advisor can also be a great resource to reach out to if you need help. Your advisor can help you get organized for success and can also offer you support if you are struggling.
There is no “Perfect College Experience”
College is what you make it. There is no perfect plan that fits every student. Try new things and put yourself out there within your comfort level. Some students may find joy in getting heavily involved on campus while others are perfectly content trying just a few of these things. Getting involved can give you a multitude of growth opportunities, but if it negatively affects your academics or your mental health, it may be better to cut back. You will have a great college experience as long as you find the things you like, put in the effort, and try your best.