What are the key things you should do in college?

Just got accepted into a few colleges and I'm super excited (and nervous). Besides studying and going to classes, what are some of the most important things I should focus on doing during my college years? Talking about experiences, opportunities, internships, networking, and those types of things. Thanks in advance!

First off, congratulations on your college acceptances! It's an exciting time and there's so much ahead of you. To get the most out of your college years and prepare for what's next, you can surely incorporate a variety of experiences and opportunities. Let's break it down:

1. Networking:

Building relationships with both peers and professors is crucial. For professors, attend office hours and participate in class. They can provide great career advice and may be able to write you a recommendation later on. For peers, look beyond your immediate friend group. You'll learn a lot from people with different backgrounds and experiences.

2. Extracurricular Activities:

Join clubs and organizations that align with your personal and career interests. They'll provide valuable experience, teamwork opportunities, and possibly leadership positions. Bonus: they can ignite new passions or solidify career pathways!

3. Internships and work experience:

Seek internships in fields you're interested in. They'll give you a real-world understanding of a career, help to build your resume, and offer networking opportunities. Summer is a great time for internships but also look for term-time opportunities. Career fairs and your college's career center can be great resources.

4. Study abroad opportunities:

If possible, consider studying abroad. It can be a transformative experience that offers a new perspective on the world, enhances language skills, and builds independence.

5. Campus employment and research opportunities:

On-campus jobs and research can offer practical experience. If you're interested in a particular field of research, reach out to professors or grad students in the department to inquire about opportunities.

6. Personal Development:

Fee time is a great way to explore new hobbies and personal interests. University life isn't only about academic and career growth, it's also about personal growth.

7. Real-world Skills:

Learn about personal finance, healthy cooking, time management, and other life skills not taught in the classroom but integral to adulting.

8. Health and Wellness:

Stay active, both physically and mentally. Use the campus gym, join an intramural sport, utilize counseling resources if needed. College can be stressful, so it's important to take care of yourself.

These endeavors will enrich your college experience, provide varying perspectives, and help you build a well-rounded resume. Make sure to balance your work and play - it's important to enjoy yourself during these years, they go by a lot faster than you might think! Good luck!