Ask a 27-year old what free time means to them and they will recite a list of errands, appointments and rushed coffee dates with friends they haven’t seen in months. Sometimes I avoid looking at my Google calendar because the amount of white space and free time is so limited it’s scary.

Ask a college student what free time means and the list might just be a little different. Think naps, sunbathing in the quad, day drinking on a Wednesday and, oh yeah, writing that essay. Not that I am diminishing the amount of schoolwork college students have, but the best part of college is your schedule and surplus of free time. I don’t believe in regretting anything because every experience in my life I have learned something from. However, I do wish I would have used my free time in college more effectively.  Below are five ways for those of you seeking to spend your free time productively and make the most of “the best four years of your life.”

  1. Read for fun. Every month I read a book for fun. I choose a topic that I am completely unfamiliar with and educate myself on something new. In college you have to do a ton of reading that isn’t a choice. To mix up the heavy reading that is required try a book that is on a topic that really interests you, fiction or non-fiction.
  2. Physically challenge yourself. I have always loved working out and the high you get from a good sweat. In college I took a semester long Hapkido class not for credit but simply to challenge my body at something that I had never done before. The outfit wasn’t fashionable per se, but the challenge was great. Whether this is yoga, rock climbing or starting to become a runner, working out and physically challenging your body is always an A+ idea.
  3. Stay in the know of the industry you are aspiring to go into. Being in Bloomington, Indiana could be rather isolating at times. I made a conscious effort to subscribe to fashion trade newsletters and to learn the names of the key players in the fashion world and how they have risen to success. Give it a shot for the industry you are looking to break into.
  4. Take online classes on a subject that is exciting to you. Thanks to General Assembly, FBA 360 and other online continuing education companies you can now take classes on very specific subjects that interest you outside of your typical curriculum. I did this during my Junior and Senior year of college and found it a great outlet to hone in on a subject that really, really interested me that my university didn’t offer.
  5. Explore outside your friends circle. There are so many different types of people in college that have unique experiences and backgrounds that you can learn from. Introduce yourself to strangers in your dorm lounge or sitting in your classes and find time to hang outside of class. You never know this person can turn into your fiancé one day or even your best friend.

Whatever you choose to do during your free time in college take advantage of these four years. They are truly special.

STYLE GURU TIP:

“Internships are a huge part of my education, and I got started right away by interning for CollegeFashionista when I began at GW! Having a hands-on experience in the field you want to be in is so important – plus it’s much more fun than going to class and prepares you for real-world experiences! In addition to my internship with CollegeFashionista, I’m also a member of GWTV, GW’s TV station! I am a fashion correspondent on the fashion/entertainment show DC2LA; it gives me more access to my dream career outside of a classroom! Getting involved on campus and beyond is super important. While it’s easy to overextend yourself with all of the clubs and opportunities available for you, set your goals and be active in the things that will keep you entertained and help your future! Don’t be afraid to try something new!”

Ali Stagnitta
George Washington University Style Guru