No matter if you have just started college or getting ready to graduate, here are 50+ things that you have to do in college!
Think of this as a bucket or inspirational to-do list.
You only have a certain amount of time in college so why not make the most of it and do as much as you can?
Classes are of course important, but other activities like work, social, extracurriculars, self-care, volunteering, and more are also super important.
You don’t have to do every single thing on this list, but it will be cool if you can!
Without further ado, here are all the things that I recommend you to try and accomplish in college!
50+ Things that You Must Do in College
1. Study Abroad
It might be because I just attended a study abroad program, but I highly recommend studying abroad!
Plus, you get to explore, travel, and learn all at the same time!
I study abroad in the last quarter of my senior year and it was one of the best decisions that I made.
Not only did I see a bunch of cool stuff, but also encountered an entirely new experience!
If you are on the edge between deciding to go or not going, I highly recommend doing it just for the experience!
2. Pull an All-Nighter
You probably don’t need to be in college to do this, but it hits differently to be in the library pulling an all-nighter with your friends.
It is still a memory that I remember in freshman year when my friends camped out in the library for an all-nighter (just for catching up and semi-studying).
I don’t recommend doing this often as it is bad for your health, but once in a while will be fine.
Just don’t try to cram for a test and pull an all-nighter as it can backfire most of the time.
Only pull an all-nighter when you know you have no classes the next day or it’s very late in the day, you don’t have anything important planned, and you aren’t doing this consistently.
3. Go to a Sports Game
Attend a sports game in your college.
It doesn’t matter if it’s football, soccer, or lacrosse, pick a sport to watch.
Also, cheer for your school and bring the spirit!
Plus, flash your student id for discounted prices and bring your friends!
You have to feel the excitement and fun at least once in your college career.
4. Master a Recipe
If you don’t know how to cook, learn at least one recipe to survive and impress your friends.
Luckily, I have mastered at least a handful of recipes during my stay on campus and I am very proud of that!
My advice is to try recipes that don’t require many ingredients and doesn’t take long to prepare.
Some of my favorite recipes that I learned were:
- shrimp alfredo
- shrimp tempura
- fried rice
- pork cutlet/tonkatsu
- spaghetti and meatballs
It’s also a good idea to make extra portions and save them for later meals to save time.
Want more ideas on how to prepare quick and easy meals? Check out 19+ Breakfast Ideas for College Under 10 Minutes.
5. Check out a Play
Your college probably has a theater department and you should attend a play.
Furthermore, you never know what you discover and may like it more than you intended.
This was the case for me since I watched a play because it was required for one of my elective classes, and I ended up loving it!
So, whether it is watching a play or trying something new, take a jump at it.
Plus, if you are worried about going by yourself, bring a friend along and maybe they will like it too!
6. Create an Emergency Savings Fund
Ever heard of an emergency fund?
This is money where it will last you for at least 6 months without any income on rent, food, necessities, etc.
To start, you can save at least $25 per month, but I recommend doing it per week (or $100 per month).
I highly advise to have an emergency savings fund put aside in case of:
- can’t immediately find a job after graduation
- getting laid off
- you got injured and can’t go to work
If you are unsure of how much to save, here’s a brief guide:
- the cost of rent in your area for 6 months
- groceries and snack expenses for 6 months
- water, gas, and electric fees for 6 months
Then, add this estimated total up and that is your rough estimate of how much you need to save for your fund.
7. Coffee/Dine with a Professor
I’m not sure if your campus has this, but my campus has a program where you can dine or get coffee with a professor.
The fees are covered by the college and the objective is to allow students to ask questions or learn more about the class with their professor.
Definitely take advantage of these programs at your college campus and I recommend checking it out.
If there are no programs like these, you can also just get a coffee with your professor.
It is a great time to learn about their career path, what they did to become a professor, or learn about what courses to take.
8. Complete an Internship
No matter how far you are in your college career, it is always a good idea to do an internship.
In addition, you can build your experience and get accustomed to real-world problems.
Moreover, it will look great for your future jobs!
So if you have time, then take on an internship during college or do it over the summer.
Try to apply for multiple internships and accept the one that matches your interests the most.
9. Decorate your Dorm
You will most likely live in a dorm during the first year of your college career.
This can be a great time to spice up your dorm and add some personal touches to it.
Include a photo wall, fairy lights, or some plants to make it feel homey.
One of my favorite things about moving into the dorms was decorating it!
Incorporate as much of your style as you want in your dorm.
Interested in more dorm ideas or need inspiration? Check out Ultimate Dorm Room Checklist (+ Secret Hacks).
10. Change your Style
College is a time of change and experimentation.
Don’t be afraid to switch up your haircut or change your wardrobe.
It was also the time when I added more formal pieces to my closet and tried out some makeup.
Dressing up and presenting yourself will always be a plus to prepare for the work environment.
And since it will be a new place, no one will know what style you had previously.
11. Go to the Gym
Have you gone to your college gym yet?
If not, go check it out and do some sets.
Get into a routine with a workout schedule and make sure you exercise enough each week.
Scout out the gym and plan to go during its less busy hours.
Stay healthy and fit even in college.
12. Eat in the Dining Halls
Go eat in the dining halls at least once if you have never stepped foot in one.
Browse what is on the menu and order what looks good or is popular.
Then, sit down and enjoy a meal in the dining hall.
Just make sure you are not eating unhealthy food or opting for fried foods for every single meal.
Create a balance between eating in the dining halls and prepping your own meals.
13. Join a Club
If you have an organization or interest that you enjoy, consider joining a club or two!
You will meet a close group of people within your campus who will be there for you.
Attend meetings, take on roles, and stay active to get the most out of your organization.
Sometimes it can lead to future opportunities so make sure you stay serious and take initiative.
If there are tasks that need to be done or help wanted, then you should support your club through volunteering or participating.
Interested in more college advice posts? Check out 17+ Jaw-Dropping Life Hacks for Students.
14. Picnic
I love having picnics on my campus’ grass fields.
Bask in the sun and enjoy a nice afternoon with your friends.
Bring snacks or do a potluck where everyone brings food.
You can also listen to music or paint with your buddies.
Enjoy a picnic every once in a while to relax and unwind after testing.
15. Buy College Merch
You have to have at least one piece of clothing that has your college’s name on it.
Show your college pride by wearing it to a sports game, campus event, or class.
Plus, it’s the easiest outfit decision if you have no idea what to wear.
Check out merch during discount days, orientation, or sales promotions to get a better deal.
I recommend getting a hoodie because you can lounge in it or go grab something quick outdoors.
16. Discover your Own Study Spot
Explore your college if you don’t have the chance yet.
Most importantly, pick out the spots that are quiet, open, and secluded.
This way you can go study, attend interviews, or talk aloud when you can’t in your room.
Moreover, you can find these areas by:
- looking on Reddit
- checking college groups
- exploring on your own
Sometimes it might be just simple as a nearby Starbucks, a small cafe shop, or a book store to get your studying in.
17. Make a Friend in Each Class
Not only will you have a class buddy, but you will also be able to attend events together.
Try to make a friend in each of your classes so if you are ever absent, you can get access to notes, homework updates, or study information from them.
Also, you can be in a group together if there are ever any group projects.
Simply observe who you want to approach during your first class and try to strike up a conversation with them.
If you want to be extra safe, try to make at least two friends in each class so if both of you are absent there is still a third person.
18. Learn to Cook
If you mastered a recipe, then it’s time you learn how to cook.
These can be simple steps like:
- finding a flavor that you like
- understanding when something is cooked
- defrosting meat
- washing and storing food prep materials
- using the correct pots or pans
Besides learning these tips, you should also watch quick videos on how to prep easy meals.
My favorite tip is to find a flavor that you like so you can use it for meats, veggies, or grains like rice and pasta.
19. Start a Skincare Routine
If you don’t have a skincare routine yet, I highly suggest that you start one asap.
It can be something as simple as toner, moisturizer, and sunscreen after you wash your face.
Or it can be more elaborate.
However, I recommend that you start small before you add other products to your skincare routine.
I have tried many products, but I find that using 3-5 products keeps my face happiest.
Remember, your skincare does not have to be expensive and you can find products in the $6-20 range.
20. Work an On-campus Job
Do you happen to have a lot of time on your hands aside from school?
Why not start a part-time job on campus?
You can set work in the dining halls, the gym, the library, the office, or the student center.
There are a ton of places to work and you can apply by checking your college’s job boards.
Also, on-campus jobs mean that you don’t have to travel far if you live on or near campus.
21. Apply for Scholarships
Yes, you can still apply for scholarships even after high school.
Check your college’s website to see if there are any open scholarships.
Another place to check is clubs and organizations which may have smaller scholarships, but easier chances to win.
In addition to your college’s website, also explore scholarship sites online.
Keep applying to help pay off any student loans that you may have.
Be careful and read the descriptions because some scholarships won’t pay for loans that you already accrued, but can pay for future college expenses.
22. Check out Campus Activities
Chances are there is a campus event happening right now.
Check your college’s social media or update area to find campus events.
Then, go attend at least one of them.
There are tons of fun activities being held year round so make sure you find something you like.
It may be a yoga class, cooking demo, pet therapy session, special guest lecture, or job fair.
Get involved and get the most out of your college journey!
23. Go to a Party
You should attend at least one college party to check out the vibe.
Go with your friends to watch for your back.
And if there is drinking involved (chances are there always is), be cautious and drink safely.
You don’t want to be drinking so much that you black out and forget what happened.
Party but don’t overdo it.
24. Attend a Career Fair
College is the time to build your professional resume to help you land your job.
Take advantage of career fairs and attend them whenever they are available.
They are usually seasonal like spring or winter career fairs.
Also, remember to bring at least ten printed resumes to hand out to employers.
A tip is to polish your resume and interview skills at the career center before heading to the career fair.
25. Read a Book
Yes, read a book and that means not anything that is a textbook or academically required.
Go to the library and find a book that interests you.
It can be fantasy, adventurous, or a quick read.
Take a break between your academic books and try to read some other text.
Instead of watching a show, why not read a few chapters in your book?
**Tip: check for free online pdf versions of books and textbooks to save money.
26. Volunteer
Besides studying and working, you should also consider volunteering during college.
It can be from anything like helping out at a nearby hospital, organization, or a self-made project.
Anything you do to make your campus, community, or society better can be considered volunteer work.
If there are no volunteer activities that you find suitable for you, you can always start your own!
Then, recruit your friends and peers to help with your efforts.
27. Work on your Resume
Although you may already have a basic resume created in high school, it’s time to upgrade that baby.
Go to your career center on campus and set up an appointment.
You can get assistance in editing your resume, polishing your interview skills, or applying for jobs.
**Tip: keep different versions of your resume for different companies that you are applying for.
You should always tailor your resume to match most of the requirements that a company is looking for.
28. Learn Time Management
You should have practiced managing your time in high school.
However, now you might be even more busy depending on how you structure your time and divide your activities.
Try to strike a balance between school, work, extracurriculars, social, and rest.
It might seem impossible to do, but it is doable if you use your time wisely.
Some tips to manage your time:
- pay attention in class instead of doing something else (so you don’t have to rewatch the lecture)
- create your work schedule around class time
- complete assignments when you have off time
- slow time during work
- transportation to a location (if you are on the bus or someone else is driving)
- in between class or break times
- create priority lists
- do most urgent and doable tasks first –> urgent and difficult task –> less urgent and easy task –> less urgent and difficult task
- one hour timer
- try to get as much work done in sectioned time blocks
29. Stay Inside
Once in a while, I love to just stay inside my dorm for the day and not go out.
These are usually rainy or stormy days when I cuddle on the couch or bed with a book.
Oftentimes, I would be watching lectures and taking notes while sipping on a cup of hot coffee or hot chocolate.
It’s ok to take breaks and stay inside every once in a while to rewind and relax.
I find it relaxing to hear the sound of rain hitting the window while I do my work.
30. Participate in a Lab
If your college has a psychology department, chances are that there are labs that you can participate in.
I have been involved in various labs and they offer you class credit for a psychology or cognitive science class.
Sometimes they also offer monetary payments for your time.
Check to see if there are any labs in your college and try out the ones that you find interesting.
Not only is it fun to be a part of a research project, but it is cool to know that you were one of the many participants to help with discovering something.
31. Arts and Crafts
Often you might stray away from doing arts and crafts because you don’t have time in college.
However, you can incorporate arts and crafts into your other activities to save time and do it.
For instance, I have been on a picnic with my friends where we ate and painted.
It was extremely fun as we did a painting charade where we swapped canvases every two minutes so the finished product had something from each person.
When you take a break, feel free to also do arts and crafts to unleash your creative side.
32. Pet Puppies
I don’t know about you, but I’m a sucker for puppies!
Our college has a day each week called therapy fluffies, where students can go and pet puppies to unwind.
If your college also has something similar, you should definitely go and make some furry friends!
Bring your friends to spend some time with puppies to make your day better.
If your college does not have something similar, you can always start it!
33. Attend a Comedy Show
I have been to a comedy show on campus from students and it was not bad.
Go and attend any comedy shows on your campus and help support your peers.
Get a few laughs in and take a break from class.
You have to go at least one time to try a new experience.
And you never know if you like it so much that you join the club.
34. Get a Professional Headshot
With work and internships rolling around the corner, it’s a good idea to get a professional headshot.
Check if your career center on campus offers these services and if they do, take advantage of it.
Some organizations and clubs also take professional headshots so keep your eyes peeled.
A nice picture can convey professionalism, seriousness, and respect for a job.
If you can’t find any professional services, you can try doing it on your own with a friend.
35. Sleep an Entire Day
This may be something that you already do and it’s not good if you do it often.
However, about every month or so, I like to just take a day to just not do anything and sleep.
I feel much more energized and revitalized afterward.
This does not mean sleeping a full 24 hours, but instead for most of the day.
An example is if I go to bed at around 1 am and then I sleep until 3 or 4 pm the next day.
I might wake up because of my circadian system, but I just nap a bit more.
This is something I like to do whenever it’s that time of the month or I just feel too tired or overwhelmed.
Then, the next, next day I feel way better and ready to conquer anything.
36. Destress
Similar to the activity above, I recommend de-stressing frequently.
I would either fold origami stars, do coloring, or write to de-stress.
You need to do self-care and evaluate yourself every so often.
The last thing you want is to burn yourself up with stress and too much pressure.
Whenever I encounter a difficult task or assignment, I like to take a step back, break it down into smaller pieces, and conquer it within a deadline.
If you are unsure about how to overcome an obstacle, you can ask others or get help from advisors, mentors, or your college.
37. Get an Electronic
College is the time when you will be on your laptop or phone more often than before.
From assignments to work, your laptop and phone will be your best supporter.
Consider investing in a nice laptop or phone to use throughout your college career.
Also, depending on your major or interests, you might consider choosing a fancier or higher-processing laptop for computer science, design, or programming.
Moreover, check with stores or your college stores to see if they offer student discounts or promotions.
Sometimes they may offer a set of free headphones for any device or electronic that you buy.
38. Apply for Jobs
It is never too early or late to apply for jobs.
If you have free time during your third or fourth years, use your time to perfect your resume, work on your interviewing skills, and apply for jobs.
Read over job descriptions to see if you like any of the jobs or match any of their requirements.
If you match at least 70% of the job descriptions, apply!
Check areas like the career center, job boards, college openings, professor and organization offerings.
39. Build a Bucket List
No matter which step you are on your college journey, you can always build a bucket list.
Jot down any big goals that you have or anything that you want to achieve.
Then, break them down into easy steps before writing them down on your bucket list.
An example is:
- study abroad
- attend a study abroad orientation
- work with the financial aid office
- apply for scholarships
- pick a location that aligns with your career/major goals
- chose a time to go
This might be an idea of what an achievable goal on your bucket list might look like.
The more thought that you put into it and the more boxes you tick off, the more likely you can achieve that goal on your bucket list.
40. Manage your Finances
Another important skill to learn is managing your finances.
Take a class if you haven’t already about budgeting, investing, and managing your money.
This is extremely valuable to learn so you don’t go into credit card debt or destroy your credit score.
You can also start a budget tracker on Excel or google sheets to see where your money is going.
If you realize that you spend a ridiculous amount of money each month on coffee or online shopping, then you can consider cutting back on these expenses.
Some alternatives may be making your own coffee or limiting the times you purchase things.
Furthermore, you can put something in the cart and wait at least a week or two before going back and see if you still want to buy it.
If you forgot about the item already, then it means that you don’t really need it.
41. Donate your Clothes
I highly, highly recommend that you go through your closet or wardrobe and clean out the clothes that you don’t wear anymore.
Get a large cardboard box and place all the clothes that you want to donate.
You should donate anything in your closet that:
- don’t fit (super loose or tight)
- haven’t been worn in a year or two
- not your style anymore
And toss anything that has bad stains, tears, or rips on them.
Sometimes they get demoted to wash cloths or cleaning tools before they get tossed to get the most use out of them.
If you have the time and energy, you can consider selling your clothes that are still in great condition or have a unique style.
I have a jam-packed closet and it feels way better after it got cleaned out and organized.
Need help organizing your clothes? Check out 9 Amazing Closet Organization Tips to Try Right Now.
42. Make a LinkedIn Profile
To establish your professional presence and build your network, you should create a LinkedIn profile.
This is where your professional headshot will come to play and make sure you introduce yourself.
Include your experiences, connect with your peers, and message others who have a position that you like.
You can try to add them, include a brief description about yourself, and ask about their experiences before landing the job that they work at now.
Be nice and don’t spam others and eventually, you will have someone who would be glad to share their journey with you.
You should also look out for scams or users who ask for a lot of your personal information.
43. Join a Theater Class
I picked to try a theater class as an elective and ended up enjoying it immensely.
Not only was I able to develop my communication skills, but I was also able to have a lot of fun.
If you are shy or introverted, consider trying out for theater, public speaking, debate class, or club.
You can help improve your communication and presentation skills.
Plus, it’s a great elective to have fun in.
44. Check out a Museum
If you have a nearby museum, gallery, or aquarium, you should go check it out.
Spend a day discovering and learning something new.
It’s never a bad idea to gain more knowledge in different subjects.
Also, check to see if you get a student discount and you usually do if they are affiliated with your college.
You can also get inspiration or relax by going to these areas.
45. Attend Orientation
This can be a variety of orientations.
It can be welcoming orientation, college orientation, club orientation, study abroad orientation, or career orientation.
There will be plenty of orientations on campus and you should try to go to all the ones that you are interested in.
You should check with your college’s social media, group chat, or notice board for any orientations.
Make sure that your college has your email too to stay updated on everything.
46. Take a Negotiation Class
This, I must say is one of the most valuable classes that I took in college.
Negotiating is a wonderful skill to have and learning the power of negotiation can land you a higher salary or better benefits on your job.
If your college does not offer a negotiation class, you can always take a negotiation class online or at a different campus.
It is also a good idea to practice negotiating and you can do so on online markets, swap meets, or garage sales.
Build up your communication skills and work on negotiating to help with promotions, salary raises, or nicer benefit packages.
47. Travel
This may seem vague, but you should plan to travel somewhere no matter big or small.
It can be something as simple as a one-hour road trip or something as complex as a 12-hour flight to a different country.
I find that exploring the world is much more enriching than reading about it.
You can experience the culture, the food, and the living when you immerse yourself in a different part of the world.
This is also one of the reasons why I decided to study abroad in the last quarter of my senior year.
It is one of the best choices that I made and it was one of the most enjoyable times during college.
However, before you decide to travel, make sure you have enough finances, time, and resources to go.
**Tip: international flight tickets are usually cheaper if you buy them several months in advance.
48. Get a Haircut
If you don’t like the style that you are sporting now or you just want a change, consider getting a haircut.
This is one of the main things that can hugely change your appearance.
If you like the length of your hair currently, you can get layers or dye it a different color.
Opt for henna hair dye or natural hair dyes to limit the amount of harsh chemicals in your hair.
Don’t go for crazy hair colors if you are interviewing for a job soon.
You will definitely stand out if you have bold purple hair, but not in a good way if the company has a stricter culture.
Changing up your hair can also be something like getting side bangs or trims to add something different to your current hairstyle.
49. Start a Side Hustle
Another thing I recommend to all college students is to start a side hustle if you haven’t already!
This can be anything from selling stuff online, making crafts to sell, tutoring, babysitting, pet sitting, etc.
As long as you have a side hustle that brings in several hundred each month, you will be able to save more money or get things that you need.
A side hustle can also help you improve your business skills and give you a small taste of working and earning money.
If you have any new ideas, it is also a great time to try it out.
You never know if it might be the next new hit!
50. Decorate your Grad Cap
As you near the end of your college journey, graduation is an important step from college to grad school or the job market.
If you think you will mess up your cap, you can get a grad cover with a design to place on top of it.
My favorite decorating items are alphabet stickers, shiny sticker gems, glitter, 3D mini props (butterflies), and stickers.
You can either include a message about who you are thankful for, your attitude towards graduating, or what you studied.
Make it as fun and over the top as you like because you are graduating!
51. Plan Your Next Steps
As you get closer to your senior year, you should plan for your next steps.
This can be anything from setting a goals list or a timeline chart.
Then, plot everything that you plan to do after college within a period.
You can start a 6-month goal chart with three goals after graduation and build on them as you accomplish them.
An example might be:
- rent a new apartment
- get a promotion
- meetup with friends once a week
And that’s a wrap for all the things that you should do in college.
Hopefully, you found this long post helpful and it inspired you to accomplish some of these goals!
