Seven Things You Have to Do While You're in College That Go Beyond Studying

The whole reason why you're going to college is to study, attend classes, and graduate so you can get a job in your chosen field. Going to college can be extremely expensive, so it's important to spend plenty of time making sure that you're successful.

That doesn't mean you should spend every spare minute of your time studying! Going to college is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you'll never recreate ever again. Not to mention, there are plenty of things that go beyond classwork that will ensure you're successful.

Take advantage of your time in college by doing these seven things that go beyond working, attending class, and studying to experience more success after you graduate.

Practice Safe Sex

Caring for your health is extremely important, especially while you're in college. It's easy to get into the habit of eating bad food, getting next to no sleep, and drinking excessively, but you also have to consider your sexual health.

Practicing safe sex starts with choosing your partners wisely. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Choosing your partners carefully can help decrease the chances that you'll regret hooking up with someone later.

It also means using protection, but whether you use protection or not, you should get tested regularly. Around 20 million sexually transmitted diseases are diagnosed each year, and nearly 10 million of those cases are among young adults under the age of 24. It doesn't matter if you've had a recent fling or you have been paired up with the same person for a while, it's always a good idea to get tested to preserve your health for the future.

Connect With Professors

It's easy to breeze in and out of class, do the reading, study for each test, and complete the course with a good grade before moving on to the next semester. It is impossible to connect with every professor on a personal level, but you should try to meet with a few of your professors regularly before you graduate.

Not only can stopping by open office hours enable you to speak with your professor about things you can do to be more successful in their class, you can also ask if a professor you like is willing to be your advisor. Having an advisor can boost your success in their class, in your major, and even after you graduate.

Have an Adventure

Never will you be freer in your life than you are in college. If you're attending straight out of high school and you aren't married, don't have kids, and don't have a full-time job, your time is all your own. Take advantage of your freedom while you have it and go on an adventure.

Having an adventure can be something as serious as studying abroad or backpacking through Europe, but it doesn't have to be anything so scary or expensive.

If you're going to college far away from home, make time each week to explore the city. If you're studying closer to home, go to Las Vegas on a whim with your friends, or consider taking a vacation alone. Even something like streaking on campus can be the adventure of a lifetime!

Take a Class That Goes Beyond Your Degree

When classes can be so expensive, it's easy to focus on taking the classes that are the most relevant to your degree. It's definitely a good idea to take as many classes as you're comfortable taking each semester and graduate as soon as possible to save money, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't branch out a bit.

There are many classes that will benefit you long after you graduate that may not have anything to do with your degree. A few to consider taking include:

• Public Speaking

• Finances and investing

• English composition

• Persuasion

Join a Club or Group

Between taking classes, studying, and a part-time job, you may not have a lot of extra time left over, but you're only going to end up with less and less free time as you get older. Take advantage of the free time you do have by joining a club or a group.

Joining a club or a group is a great way to find friendships that can last long after you graduate from college, but that's not all. A club can teach you skills that you won't learn in class, and it can provide you with connections that could pay off when you graduate and you're looking for a job.

Volunteer

Another thing you should make time for if you can is volunteering. It's a great way to meet new people, and it's true that volunteering is a great way to boost your mood and feel like you're making a difference, but did you know it's also a great way to give yourself a leg up in your career?

When you choose the right volunteer opportunity, you can learn important skills that will serve you well in your career. You may make connections who can help you find the perfect job, and it's something many employers like to see on a resume, which can increase your chances of landing your dream job right out of college.

Go to at Least One Game

Going to sports games is quite popular in college, but even if you don't really like sports, you should go to a game anyway. Nothing compares to the excitement of college students cheering on their favorite team in the stands!

Not a big fan of football or basketball? There are likely more interesting and obscure sports you can observe at your university. Just a few you might want to check out include:

• Fencing

• Bowling

• Curling

• Equestrian riding

• Squash 

• Water polo

Studying and going to classes should be your primary priorities, but that doesn't mean they should take over your entire schedule! There are plenty of other things you can do to not only have fun, but to increase your chances of experiencing success after you graduate.