So you’re off on a new adventure—college! It’s an exciting time of life: a chance to make new friends, learn new things, and gain new experiences.
Most importantly, you’re saying goodbye to who you’ve always been. Now, you have a blank slate to create the person you want to be!
College can be a magical time in your life. But how can you be sure you’re making the most out of it? Read on to find out eight ways to make the most of freshman year and ensure that your college experience is a chance for growth, wonder, and fun!
Start Your Days Off Strong
College comes with some unchartered territory. You’re going to be completely in charge of your own day, including when your classes are, who you get coffee with, and what you get done.
You want to make sure that your days are productive and that you’re managing your classes and homework wisely. The last thing you want to do is miss out on moments because you have to tackle that last-minute essay you forgot about!
Creating daily to-do lists and goal lists is a great way to keep yourself on track and make sure you accomplish everything you want to do. Color-code your lists and make sure to block off time for fun as well as school.
Capture Every Crazy Moment
When you look back on your freshman year, you’re not just going to want to remember the big events, like your first school football game or campus parade.
You’re also going to want to remember the late-night taco runs, the dorm glam-ups, and the study sessions that turn into laughter, love, and lifelong memories.
You can capture and cherish these memories forever with an INSTAX instant photo camera. That way, you’ll have the memories and moments right at your fingertips to share with your friends!
Use your instant prints to decorate your dorm room, create scrapbooks, or make gifts for the people that make your freshman year wonderful!
Mix It Up
A big part of college is figuring out who you want to be, and that requires trying new things! Break out of your shell and give new experiences a try.
Register for a class you’ve never taken before—like a foreign language or a dance class. Join a new club on campus and see what happens. You’ll make new friends and maybe discover a lifelong passion along the way!
Give Back
Your new experiences don’t have to just be about fun. You can also take the opportunity to give back to your community. Look for clubs or organizations on campus that provide volunteer opportunities.
You might be able to join other volunteers to raise funds for non-profits, clean up the community, help the underprivileged, or raise awareness about an issue dear to your heart.
While you’re out making the world a better place, make sure to snap some photos that you can share with friends and peers to spread the word. (The new INSTAX Mini 40 will give you crisp prints in less than two minutes so you can show everyone what you’ve been up to!)
Take a Break
You’re bound to be busy with classes, studies, and homework. It’s important to stay committed to your work, but it’s equally as important to take breaks!
Don’t let yourself burn out or overload. Give yourself study breaks to go bowling with friends, take a walk around campus, or grab a coffee at a local shop!
Go Exploring
Your new campus (and your new city) offers a world of possibilities! Freshman year is the perfect time to get out and explore.
Spend time all around campus finding little nooks and spaces to study or take moments to yourself. Explore all the hot spots in your city. Look for hidden gems and local businesses, like coffeeshops, restaurants, and food trucks. You never know what will become your go-to spot!
As you explore, capture the moments with an instant photo camera. You and your friends will love having prints to look through to remember your nights on the town and your days of exploration! You can even create local bucket lists or scavenger hunts—break into groups then swap and share photos.
Stay Healthy
It’s easy to get so caught up in your new world that you forget to take care of yourself (mentally and physically!) But don’t forget that you can enjoy your time even more when you’re healthy.
Make sure you eat well—ramen noodles every day are not the answer! Get plenty of fruits and vegetables to keep your immune system strong. Visit the gym, get a bike, or go jogging around campus. Just make sure you keep your body moving!
Don’t be afraid to seek help from your school’s counseling center if you feel anxious, worried, or depressed. Mental health is important, too! And, you’re not alone. You may not realize it, but many college students have feelings of anxiousness and stress. If you open up with your friends about how you truly feel, you may be surprised that they feel the same way! You can always support each other with comforting words, grabbing a bite to eat, or binging on Netflix.
Learn from the Best
Finding a mentor is a great way to make sure you get the most out of your freshman year. Your mentor can fill you in on all the inside do’s and don’ts, help you find your way around, and encourage you if you feel stressed.
Your school might have a formal mentorship program. But if not, you can find a mentor through a club or organization! People are happy to help make sure your college experience is great!
Make Freshman Year Unforgettable
College is a prime time to meet new people, experience new things, and discover new passions. But you only get out of it what you put into it!
Push the envelope, get out there, and have fun! The friends you make, the silly moments, and the experiences (both big and small) can shape your future and change your life.
Author Bio:
This article was written by the INSTAX Brand Team. The INSTAX team is dedicated to helping people experience life more fully with their instant cameras. INSTAX wants to give individuals a tool to create, express, and share their memories. Learn more about INSTAX cameras, printers, and film here.
