These aren’t always your typical college brochure tips, but
they are a great diversion from the academics that got you to college in the
first place. There are soooo many ways to make memories and have fun; here are
just a few to get your brainstorming started.
1. Opera. Don’t know if you like opera? What better way to
find out than on campus? And, it turns out, if you have a friend performing in
said opera, it’s a great excuse for inviting a really cute mutual friend to be
your date… even if a romantic interest is never reciprocated.
2. Foreign films. Yeah, you’ve seen movies. You’ve seen
flicks. But have you checked out on-campus or local art house schedules?
They’re usually either free or dirt cheap, and pretty stinkin’ entertaining too.
3. Ballet. It’s kind
of like the opera thing. Find out what events your friends are involved in,
then go watch them perform or compete, or whatever their activity does. You’d
be surprised how many options are out there to broaden your horizons.
4. Monster trucks.Seriously, though, let’s not let the
pendulum swing too far one way. You’ve got to find some balance in life. See
what other “shows” are coming through town, and get some of the other kind of
culture too.
5. Road trip. Get out of town! Find 2 or 3 friends, chip in
for gas, and hit the road. A couple tips here: have a destination, plan ahead,
and be smart… then have some fun. The “Free as Possible Tour” is a great idea:
visit each other’s hometowns where you also get free lodging and food.
6. DiscipleNow weekends. These may have been a high point of
the year for you back in your youth group days. Now that you’re a big,
impressive college student, it’s time to experience this weekend from the other
side: as a leader. Talk to a leader in your local church or your favorite
on-campus Christian organization, and find out how to get plugged in.
7. Canoe trip. Or hiking or camping or something. But get
outside. Get dirty. Get wet. Get off campus and out of town for a little
communion with nature.
8. Church “Dinner on the Grounds.” Find a church that’s not
too uppity, and find out when their next potluck is. Then GO. This is some
amazing home-cooked food that you don’t want to miss.
9. Intramural sports (or just regular pick-up games). So
what if your volleyball team always loses or you break your toe playing indoor
soccer. It’s good for laughs, and even good for your health. (Remember what Dr.
Kim said?)
10. Music lessons. Always wanted to learn to play an
instrument? Music students loooove showing off what they know. I took guitar
lessons from Nick, a grad student with a four-syllable Italian last name. He
didn’t care at all that I was super unimpressive on the guitar; he just loved
having people pay him for lessons.
11. Restaurants you can’t pronounce. Whether you’re in a big
city or a little college town, odds are there are some ethnic restaurants
around. These are great for trying new foods, frequently on the cheap, and
amazing and entertaining ways to observe other cultures.
12. Dance. Whatever the locals do, try it. Line dancing,
swing dancing, contra dancing... find out where it happens and go learn,
practice and laugh. And you’ll never look as good dancing as you do in college,
so show off those moves NOW.
Kathy Raines, UBC College Minister
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