The college years are some of the best four years in a girl’s life, and the last thing we want is to cross the stage at graduation feeling like we didn’t take every opportunity to make the most of our time. Unfortunately, sometimes we get so caught up in getting the grades and looking for a job that we forget to experience all the other amazing things college has to offer a girl.
For some of you, this is your last semester on campus, so it’s time for you to cut loose and grab all the fun, crazy, mind-opening experiences while you still can. One last hurrah before you graduate and head into the “real world”. Here’s what college seniors everywhere are putting on their Last Semester To Do Lists. For all you other collegiettes, let this wisdom from seniors and alumnae help you make the most of the rest of your time, too.
Travel Anywhere and Everywhere
The general consensus seems to be that no matter what, every girl needs to travel during her college years. Get away from campus for a weekend or just travel during breaks. Go somewhere foreign, even if it’s just foreign to you! Alone, with friends, near, or far… it seems that to many collegiettes getting away from campus is just as important as being on it. Plan some sort of adventure that can fit the time you have left. Take your fellow collegiettes’ advice:
“Road trip! Driving to other schools, new cities, and even all the way back to Chicago with my friends was great. We got to discover new places together and it made us a lot closer.”
– Priyanka Bhat, Wesleyan University
“Whether it be studying abroad or taking a solo trip somewhere, you learn the most about yourself when you are out of your comfort zone and in a different environment. I traveled for just 3 weeks last summer in Italy, and I learned so many things about myself.”
– Allyson Dezii, Temple University
“My number one piece of advice to other collegiettes would be to study abroad! It was by far the best experience I had in college. Not only did I have the opportunity to study a new language, travel, and interact with people from different cultures, but it also enabled me to become more independent.”
– Nikki Fig, Emerson College
See the Local Sites
Traveling around the globe will definitely be an enriching experience, but what about the city you live in now? Don’t forget to explore the world around you while you’re living in it. No matter where you are, be it a small town or a large city, get to know your surroundings as well as possible before you leave them. Check out the restaurants, fall into the tourist traps, and when you visit years later you’ll still feel at home.
“I go to school in Boston. I don’t plan on living on the East Coast after I graduate, so I have a list of things that I want to do before I leave that side of the country. Most of the things are very touristy things – museums I want to go to, other tourist sites I want to visit, etc.”
– Cassidy Quinn Brettler, Emerson College
“There are a lot of salsa clubs around my city and although we have no idea how to salsa, a bunch of girls and I went to check them out one night. It was great, and so fun to be part of the city nightlife, not just the college scene.”
– Leann Hammond, NYU
“Spend a day visiting museums. You’ll leave feeling so inspired and relaxed. And you’ll be a little smarter afterwards, too.”
– Brielle Folco, University of Hartford
Take that Class You’ve Been Curious About
Most people enter college with a general idea of what they want to study. Some people change that idea, but others never take a class outside their major all four years. One of the most common regrets college grads seem to carry is not taking the crazy, unexpected, yet totally cool course they really wanted to take. Others say stepping out of their major was a breath of fresh air. And some say they missed out on things they really needed.
“I went into college as a math major, and I stuck with it until junior year, when I decided to take an English course. Now I’m graduating a double major, Math and English, and I’m a lot happier.”
– Dawn Williams, North Carolina State University
“Take classes that teach you things you can put on a resume, like specific and definable skills. Computer programs, languages, etc., especially if you are a liberal arts student.”
– Natalie Harrington, Wellesley College
“Yes, take classes you aren’t necessarily comfortable with. But also join clubs you’re interested in, even slightly, because there will never be an easier time to try new things.”
– Aileen Bommer, Northeastern University
Put Your Friends First
College is where you form friendships that last the rest of your life, so in your last semester, spend some time with the people who’ve made these four years memorable. Make time for a girl’s night out, have heart-to-hearts whenever you can, and make every second you’re all together count.
“My friends and I try to have a movie night once a week or so, just to catch up and see each other amid all the chaos of college. We usually end up talking over the movie or just completely ignoring it – we have a lot to say before we all graduate this spring!”
– Margaret Skoletsky, University of Massachusetts
“Celebrating everyone’s birthdays was a big thing for my friends. We had a party for everyone’s [birthday], even the summer ones, because we knew we might not be together again for them.”
– Nina Yu, Columbia University
“Go out with your friends whenever you possibly can! I really regret not going out with my girlfriends whenever possible, because now they aren’t nearby and we only see each other every once in a while.”
– Gloria Chuang, Syracuse University
“This semester, I am putting schoolwork aside as much as possible and making my friends my first priority. I’ve spent the last three years getting good grades, and I’m happy about that, but I want to leave here with lasting friendships, too, not just a strong GPA.”
– Devin Norland, Penn State University
Follow the Traditions
Every campus has its own set of crazy traditions for students to keep up with, and quite a few have ones that are exclusive to seniors and totally wild. You don’t have to do them all, and I certainly won’t blame you for passing on some of them, but participate in at least one. After all, it’s your last year – go crazy! And check out HC’s College Bucket List for more ideas!
“According to Harvard tradition, students must: 1. Have sex in Widener library, 2. Run the Primal Scream (a naked lap around Harvard Yard), and 3. Pee on the foot of John Harvard.”
– Windsor Hanger, Harvard University
“Every senior should be in the Laurel Parade (graduation procession) with the other alums. And everyone needs to climb the mountain for Mountain Day at least once.”
– Haley Streibich, Mount Holyoke College
Let Your Freak Flag Fly
“Be weird, trendy, whatever. Trying all the fashions and wearing whatever is cool in college, but not so much when you’re trying to prove you’re a reliable, responsible adult. Dye your hair, get a mohawk, pierce things, dress like Lady Gaga. Have fun with your style while you can.”
– Natalie Harrington, Wellesley College
“In general, it’s way better to rebel in college and risk getting in trouble with campus safety instead of the actual police. If you want to streak, do it in college. If you want to smoke weed, do it in college. Getting caught will be just a funny story later, not a night spent in jail.”
– Alex Schwartzberg, Westchester University
There you have it! All the wisdom and advice you need to end your college career on a happy note rather than a regretful one. Take every opportunity presented to you, go places you’ve never been, try out a new look, and do all the stupid stuff you can. Soon enough you’ll have to act like an adult, so as a college senior, enjoy some final youthful freedom.