What are your goals for this semester? At college, you’ll be learning new things, meeting new people, and being introduced to new opportunities and experiences you’ve never had access to. Fall is just beginning and the next few months are full of possibilities. There’s so many things to see and do at college! Make the most of this semester and try checking off as many items as you can on our unofficial SUNY Fall Semester Bucket List.
1. Go to a (sporting) event on campus
Even if you’re not a sports fan, you won’t want to miss out on an authentic college campus Game Day experience. Rivalry games bring out the best in school spirit and community. If your college has Homecoming, find out what events are going on that weekend and attend as many as you can (most importantly the Homecoming Game!). Your school probably has a rich history of traditions that you’ll definitely want to be a part of.
2. Join a club
One of the best ways to make friends with like-minded people is by joining a club or organization on campus. Not only will you meet people who share similar interests with you, but you’ll also be able to pursue a passion outside of the classroom while gaining valuable experience to include on your resume. Experiences outside of the classroom are a major benefit for graduates who are set to enter the job market. Don’t know what club to join? Check out these 15 clubs you didn’t know existed at SUNY schools.
3. Volunteer
Give back to your campus or local community and gain some volunteer experience. It looks great on a resume and is also a great way to get involved in your community, meet new people, and boost your activity resume or co-curricular transcript. Your school might even have a tradition of campus-wide community service initiatives such as blood drives, Campus Cleanup or a Relay for Life event.
4. Try new local food
New York produces some of the best food in the world with an incredible selection of homegrown products. No matter where you are in New York State, your school’s region probably has a rich and unique food culture. Many schools have stores and markets on campus that offer goods that come from nearby farms and food providers or from campus itself, like Morrisville State’s Nelson Farms. You could also visit a Taste NY store to try our state’s local foods and support New York’s thriving agricultural industry.
5. Go to a show
You don’t have to major in music or theater to pursue an interest in the arts! If your school has a Performing Arts Center on campus, check out the upcoming shows. Many of them are probably free or discounted for students, so take advantage! Otherwise, find a venue off-campus and experience the culture of your college town, whether it be a symphony orchestra or a local band. With hundreds to thousands of people attending these events, they present a great opportunity to expand your culture and meet new people too.
6. Step out of your comfort zone
The time you spend in college is an amazing opportunity to gain new experiences. So do one thing you never imagined yourself doing; you’ll thank yourself for it! Try out for the musical, even if you think you can’t sing. Take a class in a subject you know nothing about. Run for student council president. The opportunities are endless – it’s up to you to take advantage of all that SUNY has to offer.
