As the May 1st college decision deadline looms, high school seniors across the country are weighing their options.
For some, the pressure is intense. After months (or years!) of college visits, applications, essays, and waiting, this decision will define your entire future.
But here’s the truth that often gets lost in the frenzy: It’s not where you go to college—it’s what you do once you’re there that truly shapes your experience and opens doors for your future.
Whether you’re headed to a large public university, a small liberal arts college, a community college, or a school you hadn’t even heard of a year ago, your success will be determined more by your effort, mindset, and engagement than by the name on your sweatshirt.
Here are 7 ways students can thrive at any college and make the most of this exciting chapter:
Here are 7 ways students can thrive at any college and make the most of this exciting chapter:
1. Get Involved Early and Often
College is so much more than classes—it’s a whole ecosystem of opportunities waiting to be explored. One of the best ways to feel at home on campus and to grow as a person is to get involved.
Join student organizations that align with your interests or identity—clubs, cultural groups, religious communities, student government, performance groups, or volunteer associations.
Try something totally new just for fun—like ultimate frisbee or an improv group.
Attend welcome week events, campus mixers, and club fairs. It might initially feel awkward, but remember: everyone’s looking for their people.
Engagement leads to friendships, leadership roles, and a stronger connection to the campus community, leading to a more satisfying and successful college experience.
2. Build Relationships with Professors
One overlooked college success strategy is forming genuine relationships with your professors and academic advisors.
Go to office hours, even when you don’t have a problem. Ask questions about course topics, career advice, or research opportunities.
Follow up on class discussions via email or after lectures. Show interest and curiosity—that’s what faculty love most.
Professors can become mentors, recommend you for scholarships, connect you with professional networks, and write powerful letters of recommendation when the time comes.
Don’t wait until you need help to introduce yourself.
3. Use Campus Resources (They’re There for a Reason!)
Colleges offer support systems that many students ignore—either because they don’t know they exist or feel embarrassed to ask for help. The most successful students are the ones who use these tools.
Academic Support: tutoring centers, writing labs, math help rooms, peer study groups.
Career Services: resume reviews, job and internship postings, career assessments, alumni networking events.
Wellness Support: mental health counseling, peer mentoring, health clinics, fitness and nutrition programs.
Financial Aid Advisors: can help you better understand your aid package, scholarships, and work-study options.
Smart students don’t go it alone—they build their “support team.”
4. Pursue Internships and Real-World Experience
Classroom learning is essential, but employers also want to see what you’ve done outside the classroom. Every college student should prioritize building their resume with real-world experience.
Use your summers wisely. Look for internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer positions that align with your career interests.
Ask professors or career advisors about research assistantships or department-level internships.
Don’t be afraid to start small. Volunteering at a local nonprofit, shadowing a professional, or working on-campus still helps build skills and connections.
Keep a portfolio of your experiences—projects, writing samples, photos, awards—to showcase your growth and achievements over time.
5. Study Abroad or Take Learning Beyond the Classroom
College is the perfect time to explore the world—whether that means another country, culture, or perspective.
Study abroad programs can last a semester, a summer, or just a few weeks. Many offer scholarships, especially for underrepresented or first-generation students.
Service-learning and alternative spring breaks let you contribute meaningfully to communities while learning new skills.
You can also “go global” on campus by joining international student groups, attending lectures from guest speakers, or enrolling in courses with a global or interdisciplinary focus.
Broaden your worldview and challenge yourself. It’s one of the most valuable things you can do in college.
6. Practice Leadership in Big and Small Ways
Leadership isn’t just about holding a title. It’s about taking initiative, being reliable, and helping others succeed. College offers so many ways to grow as a leader.
Run for a position in a student club or take on a project management role for an event or initiative.
Become a resident advisor, orientation leader, peer tutor, or student ambassador.
Start something if it doesn’t exist yet—a new club, a campus blog, a community service project.
Reflect on what kind of leader you are and want to be. College is the ideal time to experiment, fail safely, and grow.
Employers (and grad schools) love to see leadership experience, but more importantly, leadership builds your confidence and expands your impact.
7. Stay Open to Growth and Change
You don’t need to have everything figured out on Day One. In fact, most students don’t—and shouldn’t.
It’s okay (and common) to change your major, explore new academic fields, or entirely shift your career paths.
Be curious. Take classes that intrigue you, not just the ones you think “look good” on paper.
Surround yourself with people who have different perspectives and backgrounds than your own. Ask questions, listen to new perspectives, and be willing to grow personally and intellectually.
Reflect regularly—journal, talk to mentors, and take stock of what excites you.
Your college journey isn’t just about getting a degree. It’s about becoming the adult version of yourself—resilient, passionate, curious, and ready to contribute to the world.
A prestigious college name might open a door or two, but the person walking through that door makes the difference. What you do during your four years, how you show up, and how you challenge yourself to grow will matter far more than the ranking of the school you attend.
So, wherever you’ve decided to go—or if you’re still deciding—take a deep breath and remember: this is just the beginning. And you have everything it takes to make it unforgettable.
Special thanks to Christopher Parsons for writing this blog post.
Christopher has a strong educational background, including Doctoral studies in English Literature and Creative Writing, a Master’s Degree in English, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and History. He also has a background in Mass Communications and Public Relations/Marketing.
He has successfully won scholarship offers from prestigious schools and over $250,000 in grants and scholarships. His real-world personal experience resonates well with today’s students.
