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University is about growing the mind in all respects, not just those academic. And a little socialization and balance in your life may just help you remain at optimal efficiency when those term tests and papers come a callin’. But just like anything in life (especially those pesky math courses), many of us have trouble jumping into the socialite groove after an intense dose of academia, and jumping back out when it’s time to get back to work (those who have experienced a hangover during exam period know what I’m talking about). Moreover, lots of social activities can cost a good chunk of change. Whatever is a student to do?
The answer, or at least part of the answer, lies in a suprising place: student-funded activities. I know what you’re thinking – Lame-o! Who wants to hang out with the suckups and social loosers who can’t do anything better with their free time than stay in the same building they spend their whole day in? Although I admit that this can sometimes be the case, more often than not you’d be surprised at just how worthwhile attending some of these events can be.
Still doubtful? Let me give you the low-down on a few of the main reasons why student/school sponsored events are an excellent way to expand your mind without shrinking your pocket change.
- Diversity, in all its forms. Have you ever sat down and watched a Bollywood film? Debated the nature of our very existence with someone who’s spent their life thinking aobut that type of question? Been awestruck by the latest advances in robots, genetics, or psychology and how they could revolutionize the world if given half the chance? Be it a debate meeting, an invited lecture, or a movie night, you’d be surprised at just how enriching these experiences can be. Sure, they may not be your cup of tea (or beer) every day of the week, but sometimes it’s best to get out of the rut of getting wasted with your friends or watching the latest movie to finish in your download queue. Yeah, those activities can be fun, but it’s easy to get in a rut too. So next time you’re with your friends and all saying “I dunno, what do you wanna do?” while trying to decide what to do that night, head over to the social events calander and try something random. Let the world marvel you with its many facets of beauty.
- The people. Maybe you’re the social King or Queen of your university. Maybe you’re the shyest person ever to grace this earth. Chances are though you could benefit from another friend. No one is the same, despite superficial similarities – there’s a lot to gain from hearing about other people’s experiences and opinions about the world. Why would they be so different from your own? Is it possible they’re right? That you’re both right? Maybe neither? Moreover, humans are fundamentally social beings. If you buy the evolution spiel given in biology class, you’ve certainly learned that our ability to interact and build upon our strengths and share knowledge is what helped make us the top species on the food chain, because let’s face it, it wasn’t our lean physique that let us survive tiger and lion attacks. So embrace your past and learn about someone new for a change. Who knows what you’ll learn. Besides, another contact might not hurt down the road when you’re trying to get a job either…
- The Savings. One of the best part about any university sponsored activity is that it’s been heavily subsidized by the university. Which basically means that you subsidized it, via that massive amount of cash they withdrew from your bank account at the start of the semester. So if you’ve paid for services, why not see if some are of any value to you. Basic ones like free food just can’t be argued with – you’d be surprised at how quickly a stack of hors d’oeuvres can turn into a full meal if you hang around long enough. These foods, just like university culture, also often have a diverse ethnic background, which lets you glean insights into the other delightful delectables available in other regions of the globe. In rare cases, Student’s tea (beer for the non-statisticians) is even available at little or no cost, and that’s certainly something to brag about (think discount Pub Night). But it’s not just food, especially if you’ve followed some of our ultra cheap, quick and nutritious recipes <link>. Quite often, old but good movies that you’ve never had a chance to see are played for your own edutainment, often in interesting venues like in the valley behind your campus. Or maybe it’s a free concert from a band you can’t get enough of – some universities just seem to attract big names, or offer ridiculously discounted tickets to a downtown venue. Ultimately, all of these so-called “reductions” are the result of you paying to attend university, so make the most of it, otherwise some other student is just going to be enjoying him or herself with the student activity money you paid!
Ok, perhaps we’ve been a little too enthusiastic with our support of student activities. We all know that they can be lame at times. Fried rice for dinner. A local band that sucks. Free alcohol for the first 50 people and you are #51. But all in all, that’s part of life isn’t it? Plus, there’s nothing that says you have to stay if the activities are not living up to your standards – your standard plans of pub-running or movie watching can never go bad. So why not give it a chance when you see something good next time. And then again after that if you like it?
UniversityAdvice.com Bottom Line:
To maximize your successes in life, you need to learn to properly balance exploration of the new riches of the world, and exploitation of what you know is good. And as we have discussed elsewhere on the site, it often pays handsomely to prepare for the future early. Given that you want to have the best time possible in this life you have been gifted with, shouldn’t you try to find out what there is to enjoy as soon as possible? Student activities, although sometimes lame, also possess the potential to deeply enrich the rest of your life, and we strongly encourage you to give them a try from time to time.
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