4 answers
Brayden
Student
Fort Collins, Colorado
1
Question
Asked
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How do I make the most of my college experience going into my Sophomore year?
I am finishing up a successful freshman year at CSU Fort Collins, and I am wondering how I can further enrich my college experience in terms of actives, organization, and academics- despite being further away from campus due to off campus living.
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4 answers
Melissa Cifuentes
3
Answers
Norwich, Connecticut
Updated
Melissa’s Answer
My biggest advice is to try and join a leadership position in a student-ran organization. This can be a club that fits your interests (ie. sports, gaming, cultural, etc) or one tailored to your career. Continue excelling academically, but try and learn to balance it with a club where you can actually apply your skills hands-on. Employers look for students that hold leadership positions and have gained soft skills like communication, collaboration, time management, and much more. Don't forget to take time for yourself as well! Best of luck
Yesenia Salazar
Profesor Primaria
32
Answers
Guayaquil, Guayas, Ecuador
Updated
Yesenia’s Answer
Hello! I'm so glad you've completed your first year! It's great that you want to continue expanding your knowledge; it will allow you to grow even further at university. You can take into consideration the following points:
Activities and Connection with the Campus (Even if you live abroad!): Get involved in student organizations: CSU has countless clubs and organizations for all interests (academic, athletic, cultural, social, etc.).
Explore RamLink: Many organizations have activities that don't necessarily require being on campus all the time (virtual meetings, special events, projects). Identify those you're passionate about and join! It's a great way to meet people with similar interests and feel connected.
Take advantage of campus events: Stay up to date with the CSU events calendar. There are lectures, workshops, concerts, plays, sporting events—so much more! Even if you live away from home, try to attend the ones that really interest you. Sometimes, just being in the campus environment recharges your college energy. Volunteer: Consider joining a volunteer initiative, either through your university or a local organization. It's a fantastic way to connect with the community, make a difference, and meet new people. Intramural Sports: If you enjoy sports, intramural sports are a great option! They don't require as much of a time commitment as college teams and are a lot of fun.
Use campus resources: Even if you don't live there, the library, academic resource centers (tutoring, writing centers), and the student wellness center are all still available to you. Plan regular visits to study, seek academic support, or participate in workshops. Connect with your classmates: Organize virtual or in-person study groups (if possible). Collaborating with other students can improve your understanding of the topics and make studying more enjoyable. Remember that enriching your college experience is an ongoing process. You don't have to do everything at once. Choose a few of these suggestions that resonate most with you and incorporate them into your college life. Your second year at CSU Fort Collins has the potential to be even more rewarding! Best of luck! With Love: Yesenia Salazar
Activities and Connection with the Campus (Even if you live abroad!): Get involved in student organizations: CSU has countless clubs and organizations for all interests (academic, athletic, cultural, social, etc.).
Explore RamLink: Many organizations have activities that don't necessarily require being on campus all the time (virtual meetings, special events, projects). Identify those you're passionate about and join! It's a great way to meet people with similar interests and feel connected.
Take advantage of campus events: Stay up to date with the CSU events calendar. There are lectures, workshops, concerts, plays, sporting events—so much more! Even if you live away from home, try to attend the ones that really interest you. Sometimes, just being in the campus environment recharges your college energy. Volunteer: Consider joining a volunteer initiative, either through your university or a local organization. It's a fantastic way to connect with the community, make a difference, and meet new people. Intramural Sports: If you enjoy sports, intramural sports are a great option! They don't require as much of a time commitment as college teams and are a lot of fun.
Use campus resources: Even if you don't live there, the library, academic resource centers (tutoring, writing centers), and the student wellness center are all still available to you. Plan regular visits to study, seek academic support, or participate in workshops. Connect with your classmates: Organize virtual or in-person study groups (if possible). Collaborating with other students can improve your understanding of the topics and make studying more enjoyable. Remember that enriching your college experience is an ongoing process. You don't have to do everything at once. Choose a few of these suggestions that resonate most with you and incorporate them into your college life. Your second year at CSU Fort Collins has the potential to be even more rewarding! Best of luck! With Love: Yesenia Salazar
Martha Kramer
Corporate Training, Communications
437
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Martha’s Answer
First, congratulations on completing your Freshman year successfully - that is a big deal!
Now that you have some friends and are more familiar with the academics and campus, it is a good time to consider becoming more involved. I like Melissa's advice, except I would not necessarily go in looking to lead right away. Maybe try out a few activities that interest you and see which ones you enjoy and/or has other members you relate to. Once you feel comfortable in the group, you could look for ways to contribute, including leadership.
As you evaluate how much time you have for activities, bear in mind that your academics are likely to become harder. Also, as you noted, you may have more commute time. And living off campus, you may have to purchase and prepare meals, which also takes time.
Good luck!
Now that you have some friends and are more familiar with the academics and campus, it is a good time to consider becoming more involved. I like Melissa's advice, except I would not necessarily go in looking to lead right away. Maybe try out a few activities that interest you and see which ones you enjoy and/or has other members you relate to. Once you feel comfortable in the group, you could look for ways to contribute, including leadership.
As you evaluate how much time you have for activities, bear in mind that your academics are likely to become harder. Also, as you noted, you may have more commute time. And living off campus, you may have to purchase and prepare meals, which also takes time.
Good luck!
Claire Mahaffey
Management Consultant
9
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Claire’s Answer
Your sophomore year of college is when things start to get really exciting! You've knocked out some of those basic courses, settled into a routine, and made some great friends. Now's the time to dive into everything your college has to offer! Think about getting involved in research or finding a part-time job that matches your major or interests. I worked at a place near campus with lots of students, met awesome people, and learned hands-on skills that have helped me in the long run.
If there's something you've always wanted to try but haven't yet, now's your chance! Join a bunch of clubs and attend their first meetings to see if you vibe with the group. You never know where you'll find a new friend or discover a new passion.
If your schedule allows, take a class just for fun. During my college years, I tried Pilates, took language courses, explored architecture, and more, none of which were related to my major. I even stumbled upon an entrepreneurship class that sparked a new career interest I never saw coming.
Even if you're living off campus now, make reasons to hang out on campus when you can. College flies by, so make an effort to enjoy every moment!
If there's something you've always wanted to try but haven't yet, now's your chance! Join a bunch of clubs and attend their first meetings to see if you vibe with the group. You never know where you'll find a new friend or discover a new passion.
If your schedule allows, take a class just for fun. During my college years, I tried Pilates, took language courses, explored architecture, and more, none of which were related to my major. I even stumbled upon an entrepreneurship class that sparked a new career interest I never saw coming.
Even if you're living off campus now, make reasons to hang out on campus when you can. College flies by, so make an effort to enjoy every moment!