What things are vital to "the college experience"?

Are you at a community college or at a university? I’m at a community college right now, and I think the number one thing I’m missing is the dorm life, and all other things that go with it (such as party’s and things.) Commuting to school sucks.

@starboyg I’m at a university at the moment.

Wow! As many people have difficulty keeping grades up as well as devoting time to clubs, I admire you for wanting to take on more.

Might an opportunity be to see what you can give back to the college? There are many forms of doing so:
* Become a resident advisor (a person in charge of a dorm floor)
* Tutor other students in your field
* Work/volunteer in the admissions office
* Start a committee to generate a change in something that would enhance the college

@Pied_Pfeffer I’m already an RA and I tutor students 3 times a week! But I like the idea of volunteering! Thank you for the great ideas!

Make a few colossal (but not disastrous) mistakes. You will remember and learn from them.

*Smoke hookah with an ex convict named “Big Hurt”
*Get chased by a wanted murderer for 12 miles
*Get involved in a lengthy judicial battle over nebulous reasons
*Sleep in your car for a week in December

All of the above have added to my college experience tremendously and they can do the same for you.

Go to a college sporting event.

@Fiddle_Playing_Creole_Bastard corroborates my advice. :-)

A big part for me was living with people off campus, they are my oldest and closest friends 30 years later. 7 or 8 friends in a four bedroom apartment or house.

And take part in big campus activities. Campus fun runs, bike rides, bonfires, rallies. You won’t get to do that stuff when you’re out of school.

So what did you do prior to university that made your life feel full and worthwhile? What is it you don’t do now that you did then? I think it is much too easy for students to focus too heavily on getting good grades but I think the university experience should be a holistic one. It should involve making friends, having new experiences AND learning. It is great you have joined clubs and are mentoring/tutoring students, but something is obviously still missing. Sounds like the “fun” aspect. So what used to lift your spirits and make you feel like you had had a great time? Try to find some time to do those things.

Here is an idea . . . I know you said you’ve joined clubs . . . but have you STARTED one?!?!?!? HUH HUH. . .

I think on another post you mentioned something about purchasing sniper rifles . . . start a club around that! Negotiate deals with the ranges and have club days at the range. That sounds awesome…

@marinelife I actually go to a lot of games already!

@Fiddle_Playing_Creole_Bastard Dear god, that sounds hazardous, but super duper extremely fun! I’ve had my share of insanity, but it sounds like you’ve beat me on that one.

@mrrich724 I’ve already started a weapon appreciation group and we go shooting on the weekends. I also started my university’s chapter of Mock UN.

Go to the library and study.

@josie I already do too much of that!

@KatetheGreat
No such thing as too much of that, given the cost of college.
Anyway, I know what you mean. I am not that hard core.
Get involved in intramural or club sports, student politics etc. If that does not fill the void, get a job. Eventually, you will run out of time and have to go to sleep.

Study abroad. Living in another country for a few months will definitely enhance your college and life experience. If you aren’t up for that, spend a summer backpacking through Europe.

@KatetheGreat
damn, i was excited about that idea too. :/

@mrrich724 I was actually thinking of creating another club that taught students how to do things like cooking, cleaning, washing clothes, etc. There are so many here that are lost on how to do such things!

@KatetheGreat Oh I will love to be in a club like that at my school! Hahaaaaa

LOL. Seriously. And add basic financial management to that. . . grocery shopping effectively etc.