Being an undergrad is a special, and very expensive experience that only happens once in your life. Never again will so many opportunities be available to you. Here are a few bucket list ideas for college students to get the most out of their college tuition.
1. Study Abroad
Have you ever dreamed of strolling the streets of Paris, surfing off the coast of Australia, or learning to speak Mandarin with a host family in China? Then add it to your bucket list and make it happen! This is your opportunity to immerse yourself in a completely new culture. Make the world your classroom and visit amazing new places while getting college credit. Plus, in this increasingly global market, future employers are going to be impressed if you have international experience. Not only will your college experience benefit, but your postgraduate life will be better off as well.
2. Get involved
Join a club. You’ve probably heard this a lot, but it’s so true. Even if it’s not the most exciting bucket list idea (like bungee jumping off the Eiffel Tower), it’s definitely a beneficial one. Colleges hand you tons of opportunities to find something that interests you, like foreign language clubs, sports clubs, student body leadership programs, and many others. The options are limitless. Whatever you choose, make it something that genuinely interests you. Plus, it’s an easy friend finder and will make your undergrad experience that much more memorable.
3. Be a tourist for a day
Pull out those cameras, sunscreen, and “I <3 NY” T-shirts — it’s time to be a tourist! Take a day to pretend that you’re visiting your college city for the first time. Hit up all the tourist shops, famous food stops, and museums that draw people from all around the country. It’s a great way to get to know the city you’re living in, or revisit some of the cool locations you forgot were there. Try taking public transportation to a new part of town or asking a shop owner where the best dessert can be found. You may be surprised at all the new things you learn about your city.
4. Build relationships with your professors
Some of the coolest people on campus are the ones that you may least expect: your professors. They’ve spent years in school and tons on tuition to be where they are today, and there’s so much you can learn from them. So grab a coffee, get lunch, or just go to your professor’s office hours and check it off your college bucket list. They can provide you with insight into the working world and even become a job networking resource after you graduate.
5. Take a class that doesn’t relate to your major
Ever wanted to learn about ancient Rome, but you’re an engineering major? Or perhaps you’re studying fashion, but you’ve always wanted to take a culinary class. If you have space in your schedule for an elective, take it! This is your chance to learn something totally new just for fun. You may even discover that you’re halfway to fulfilling a minor from the other classes you’ve taken!
6. Visit the career center
Most college seniors save this trip for last, when it’s already too late. You don’t have to be in your last semester of senior year to make an appointment with the career center. In fact, it’s best to visit as a freshman or sophomore so that you can get started on the track to success early and land a job more easily in the future.
Creating a great college bucket list will help you make the most out of your undergrad experience and lead you toward a successful future.
Author: Mackinna Hart for Unigo.com.
