Now more than ever, I am realizing the value in the uniqueness of college. Whether you came in as a freshman straight out of high school or you are a post traditional student, this time is one where you will learn things at a rapid pace, both in and out of the classroom.

It does not feel real to say that I will be graduating with my bachelors degree in a few short weeks. Graduating high school early, I started college at the ripe age of 15. So, as you could imagine that this chapter of my life has been a long one. It is hard for me to remember what life was like outside of the college system and culture.

In this journey, one piece of advice has always been consistent: have fun in college. No matter where I would go, older adults would never fail to tell me this when they found out that I was in school. “College is the time have fun.” or “Once you graduate, you won’t be able to have the same fun as you once did.” Usually I would smile and nod. This idea of having fun in college was desensitized to me. Now that I am graduating I feel a sense of urgency to have the fun that I forgot to cram into the past couple of years. This led me to the question of “How do you even have fun in college?”

Culture makes the answer to this question seem obvious: throw parties, go on late night food runs, date someone, etc. However, I have compiled my own list below for you to not only have fun, but enjoy your time in college while you still have it.



  1. For the love of God, drink water.
  2. Don’t be afraid to say “No.”
  3. Don’t go to places or event out of fear that you will miss out.
  4. Pray even when things are good.
  5. Spend time alone.
  6. Find someplace you like and dub it your spot, then don’t tell anyone about it.
  7. Do something for someone else.
  8. Be kind to your body and soul.
  9. Fail a test and realize that you will live on.
  10. Forgive yourself.

The reality is that you are going to make mistakes. Be ready for them, but don’t dwell on them. They will come and go and by your senior year they will seem minimal.  So, forgive yourself and enjoy college. Have fun.