​Questionable advice from a former college student

Sure, I went to the University of Northern Iowa and not North Dakota State University (and no, I’m not invested in the athletic feud between the two schools unless I’m trying to rile someone up), but I imagine that many elements of the college experience are universal.

I don’t claim to be any more qualified for this than, say, Dr. Phil or Lucy at her five-cent psychiatric help stand, but in no particular order, here’s my advice for getting the best out of your college experience.

First of all, find out what goes on around campus. Colleges, especially state universities, tend to have tons of artistic, theatrical, musical, and cultural events. When you actually keep an eye out for it, you can find a surprising amount of things to do. Plays, concerts, symphony performances, art exhibits, you name it. And since you have a student ID, chances are that you will be able to get into a number of these events for free, since they’re sponsored by the university. And don’t just watch and listen to these events, see if you can get involved.

Among the various experiences I got to enjoy just because I kept my eyes and ears open were: seeing the late George Carlin do stand-up, seeing Indian temple dancers and Japanese taiko drummers, and taking part in independent student-directed theatre. Pick up any newsletter you can get, follow the school on social media, and see what’s happening around the place. Check out the international student groups and get to know people from all over the world and by extension learn more about the world and its cultures. Campus can be a fun place in and of itself.

Two, take advantage of your school’s resources. I realize that you’re probably going to be reading quite a bit for class as it is, but college libraries are massive literary resources and I would encourage you to do reading on the side as well. I’ve always believed in the virtue of being an autodidact, and colleges let you do that to an unprecedented degree. On that note, don’t be afraid to take liberal arts classes and learn about philosophy, history, and the like on the side of your major. It’s my belief that expanding your mind in that regard can just make you a better-rounded, enlightened person and that it’s a mistake to write those classes off as ‘unnecessary’ or ‘useless.’

On that note, don’t be afraid to have your ideas challenged. I remember when I was in college seeing people automatically fall into groups or cliques of like-minded individuals and never leave them. While seeking out people with similar views to your own isn’t wrong in and of itself (it’s human nature, after all), it can become a crutch if you never allow yourself to question or be questioned, and trying to find out why you think or believe a certain way is fulfilling and how you grow. At the same time, don’t be afraid to stick to your guns with what you know is right, but be civil about it. Open-mindedness doesn’t have to mean your mind is so open it falls out.

Also, see what medical services are available on campus. A lot of times you may never have to leave the university for minor health issues (but please do if you have to). Also, since I realize that college can be a nerve-wracking place, probably the closest thing you’ve experienced to living on your own so far in your life, see what counseling and psychiatric services are available if you need them. There’s no reason to be ashamed of that.

When you’re off campus, check out the local artistic scene. One of the biggest surprises for me when I moved to Fargo was discovering how much of a thriving art and music scene this city has. Find out about the small venues and out-of-the-way spots. Support your local musicians and artists. It’s that activity just under the surface that is the lifeblood of a creative community. Heck, see if you can’t start a project yourself.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to be spontaneous and take risks. I’m not advocating absolute bedlam, but adventure and yes, mistakes, are part of a full life. It’s something I have to remind myself of constantly, but if you don’t take the occasional risk you will hardly live at all. Oh, and have fun! You’ll do fine.