Whether you are in your first year of college or you are in your fourth and getting ready to graduate you have to ask yourself…is this really what I want to be doing? Just think about that for a minute.  Are you really doing what you want to be doing and getting the most out of your college experience?

Some of us may have gone away to college to experience life on our own while getting a higher education, some of us may have stayed at home to save money while studying in college and some of us may have opted to study overseas so that we can learn about new cultures.  No matter where we are studying we have to make sure that we are getting the most out of our personal lives, our social connections, our education and our experience during our four years in college.

I had to work full time while studying in college and my grades definitely suffered.  I wish that I would have saved more money as a teenager so that I could have really enjoyed college life with my friends.  I didn’t have the typical college experience of waking up at 11 am for a class at 1 pm and spending all afternoon studying in the library.  I had to juggle a full time job with a full time course load and I was lucky if I could make it to the meeting for group projects.  We only get one college experience so my advice is to make the most of it.

Are you maximizing your time in college?

Find time to study.  We are in college to learn so it’s very important to find time to study.  Going to class is not enough; we have to make sure that we are ready for tests, exams and projects.  I know that many of us work while in college but it’s important to set priorities and getting good grades should be at the top of your list.

Make connections.  There are thousands of people on college campuses all across America.  It’s important to maximize our resources with connections that can help us get a job after graduation.  Join a club, volunteer your time for a good cause, or pledge a sorority/fraternity.

Gain work experience.  Not everyone is forced to work during college for financial reasons, but everyone should gain some work experience while in college.  Potential employers are looking for team work and social abilities just as much as they are looking for candidates with an education.  Find a part time job on campus, volunteer for an organization or apply for an internship.

Don’t forget your friends.  The social aspect of college is just as important as the scholastic.  I am definitely not saying that you should blow off class to hang out with your friends, but you should find time in your busy schedule to go out and have some fun.  You definitely won’t get the most of your college experience if you always stay at home and study.

Learn to budget.  Setting a personal budget in college and learning to become financially responsible will help you get through college with a little less stress; it will also help you pay off your student loans after graduation.

What is your favourite thing about college?

 

Photo by Dick Howe

Tahnya Kristina

Tahnya Kristina

Tahnya is 30 years old and lives in Montreal Quebec. She graduated in 2005 from Concordia University, and she currently works for a major International Financial Institution. She recently launched http://www.mediamadam.ca/. You can follow her on Twitter @TahnyaP.