Not just for a University of Florida student, but for every first-year, needs to be reminded what fun is, knows no one at the school expect the weird kid from 10th grade AP bio, wants to make memories, type of student.
1. Go to Steak & Shake at midnight (or a local, equivalent diner that will knowingly take longer than the average restaurant sitting)
You will NOT regret the opportunity to laugh over how slow the service is, how unorganized the management is, and how hard a steakburger, fries, and a shake slap so late at night. Nothing can go wrong between the eating, people watching, and forgetting about every worry and care (including how bad the food is for you…at midnight calories don’t count)
2. Buy that pint of ice cream
Indulge in the craving every once in a while, let your body enjoy the Ben & Jerry’s pint of Chunky Monkey (or whatever your go-to, splurge, late-night-snack, reminds-you-of-simpler-times equivalent is)
3. Make it to a football game
Maybe football wasn’t your thing in high school (I can’t relate, but I don’t judge) that doesn’t mean it can’t be in college. It’s different. Give it a try at least. Especially if you’re at a big football school, learn the chants & cheers, appreciate the traditions, engulf yourself in the spirit.
4. Be friends with your roommate
I’ve heard the roommate horror stories, I’m blessed to be rooming with one of my closest and longest friends, but even if you’re not, give it a try, get lunch or coffee or bond over episodes of The Bachelor.
5. Text that girl in your class to get lunch or study or both
She (or he) could be your next best friend. It’s so easy to go to class and not talk to anyone, but looking back you’ll realize how much better it could’ve been if you had someone to study with and talk to.
6. Call your mama
Talk to someone, anyone, a family member, a friend, someone that in your heart reminds you of home.
7. Get involved
In a club. In a sport. In class. In intramurals. In greek life. In your college. In a job. Go to the career fair or the club fair. Answer questions in class. Make friends. Don't let yourself look back on freshman year and not remember what you did.
8. Go on a road trip
I was grateful to have a few friends to drive to Jax with for the FL/GA game, but for football or not go on an adventure (for the mems.)
9. Sit in the lobby of your residence hall and make a friend
I came to find I was living in one of the most “social” dorms on campus, as everyone would say after I told them where I was living. Any time I walked through the lobby there were always people watching tv, keeping up with away games, playing ping pong, just hanging out. It made it so easy to meet people and have a few more familiar faces on campus.
10. Go to the library
Find the library you like. Find friends to go with you. Go alone. Find what works best for you and just GO. You will not regret it. Not sure if its the pressure knowing I’m surrounded by some potential geniuses or what, but I feel so much more productive in the library.
11. Eat at the dining hall
Just to say you did. So you can relate to how bad the food is.
12. Get pizza after a night out
For me, Italian Gator is the best after a late night, but after a long night Papa John’s is perfect, too.
13. Sleepoverrrrr
You and your girl gang better cram yourselves in someone’s dorm at least once.
14. Take pictures
Ugly ones, "spam worthy," use the app "Huji" for candids or buy a disposable camera. Save them. Print them. Hang them on your wall. Don't forget the memories behind them.
15. Run stadiums
Get that workout in somewhere much cooler than the gym.
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