Your first year of university or college is a mix of excitement, nerves, new friendships, and a whole lot of learning (both in and outside the classroom). 

To help you make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime chapter, we’ve put together the ultimate “First Year Bucket List:” 13 must-do experiences every new student should check off before the year is up.

1. Decorate your dorm room

I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, decorating your dorm room is one of the most exciting parts about going away to university / college. It’s a fresh start and an opportunity to personalize your new space however you want. The sheets and pillows might be essential, but the duvet, blankets, pictures, and plants can all be styled in countless different ways.

2. Attend a frosh week event

Don’t underestimate the fun of participating in frosh week events. This can range from campus tours and informational sessions to concerts and magic shows. Before you count out these events, take a look at what your school has to offer (my school literally had a DJ and a full-on circus).

3. Join a club / team

Some of my most fond memories from universities were the clubs and teams that I joined.

• If you enjoy being active, I recommend joining an intramural sports team.
• If you are diplomatic, maybe try joining a faculty or school council.
• If you are a creative individual, there might be photography or music club.
• If you are a writer, try joining the school’s newspaper.

Needless to say, there are many options for places to find like-minded individuals at your school and clubs/teams are truly one of the best ways to find these people. Try different clubs, join as many teams as you can, and experience it all!

5. Introduce yourself to a professor or TA

You not only want to make the most of your social activities, but you are also there to get a great education. Most faculty actually want to connect with the students and this small task can be a game changer in your academic journey. A quick ‘hi’ cannot only make you stand out but builds a connection that can be used for future reference letters, support, and extra insight beyond the lecture slides and textbook.

6. Go to a sports game

There are many ways to go out in university without just going to a bar or nightclub. Most schools have sports teams that allow students to go watch their games / competitions. Football, volleyball, swimming, hockey, and many others are all spectator sports (this might even be a free event for students to attend!).

Tip: If your campus is too busy and you can’t find a study spot, try going into an empty classroom.

8. Reach out to a stranger

Approaching someone you don’t know can feel awkward, but the truth is everyone is in the same boat in first year. Everyone is looking to connect and make new friends, sometimes you just have to be the one to go first. Not every interaction will be perfect, but you never know when you might meet your new best friend.

9. Go to office hours

One of the most underrated resources of undergrad is office hours. Whether you have project questions, struggling to understand a topic, or need advice on an academic subject, office hours are the best way to solve these problems. Just as introducing yourself to a professor or TA allows you stand out, going to office hours can have the same effect.

Tip: Try going to office hours before a midterm or exam, going through the content with your professor or TA is a game changer for comprehending concepts.

10. Pull an all nighter

This is kind of a rite of passage for a university or college student. Hopefully you don’t have to spend too many nights studying, and some can be doing something fun as well.

12. Buy a university / college hoodie

No university or college experience is complete without getting your hoodie. It becomes a wardrobe staple, one that you will want to keep over the years. It doesn’t just have to be a hoodie, it may be a jacket, t-shirt, bag – but you will definitely want some memorabilia to commemorate your time at school.

13. Say yes to something that scares you

Growth starts outside of your comfort zone. University and college are a time full of firsts and you don’t want to miss out on some of the best experiences because you were too scared to say yes. This may be as big as agreeing to study abroad or as small as asking a question in class. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, unlock new opportunities, and grow in new directions!

Conclusion

First year can be a whirlwind of experiences, challenges, and opportunities. The 13 things we’ve covered here are just the beginning of what will be an unforgettable journey. From decorating your dorm room to joining a club, every moment contributes to shaping who you’ll become, the friendships you’ll make, and the memories you’ll cherish. Even through those moments of doubt and homesickness, cherish the moments of laughter and growth. University and college, especially first year, is such an unforgettable and unique chapter of your life and although I know this is very cliché, it really does go by faster than you can even imagine.