“Engage. Take advantage of opportunities outside the classroom. This does not mean joining every club or team, but rather finding something that genuinely interests you and exploring it a little more deeply. The colleges offer many opportunities to build community and try new things. Small clubs or associations, for example, can be a great way to meet like-minded people and give you something meaningful to do outside of class.

Your coursework is important, of course, but it is equally important to make time to explore other interests. Even committing two or three hours a week to something outside the classroom can meaningfully enrich your university experience. When opportunities arise, try to say yes.”