Amanda Reza
The school year can be an exciting time with lots of opportunities. Although, taking rigorous classes and participating in extracurricular activities can be exhausting. Whether you are a new or returning student, managing your life can be challenging. With a busy schedule, spending free time in your room may be an attractive option. While some down time is great, dedicating time to take yourself out is important. Instead of waiting for a friend or invite, you should be your own date.
Going out alone can be a daunting experience. But preventing yourself from doing things instead causes many to miss opportunities. Neglecting the chance to go out could be missing a chance to meet future lifelong friends. Instead of being bored in your room, you could end up having fun.
Going out with yourself is the best way to get to know what you enjoy. Without the restriction of company, you can be free to do whatever you want. You would not need to compromise in making decisions about where to go. There would not be a need to impress anyone as you are the only person whose happiness you would have to consider.
This means that you could wear whatever you feel comfortable in, whether that is sweatpants or jeans. It eliminates the pressure of fitting in with your peers. In addition, you would not need to adjust your plans for someone else’s time constraints. With nothing to expect, it could lead to an adventure.
Exploring campus on your own is a great way to get familiar with the area. By orientating yourself with the area you can feel confident of your surroundings. This can also build character in knowing you can be comfortable navigating through a new city or area. Walking by or visiting different functions, you could even have a chance to win free food, shirts or prizes.
In becoming familiar with your interests, you can join a club or pick up a new hobby. But with lots of clubs offered and events, it can be overwhelming in finding out where to start. Professors, teachers’ assistants, and resident advisors can assist you in finding your passions.
The Counseling Center is another resource that is dedicated to helping students. In addition to people you can consult, Talley Student Union and the Brickyard are two of many places that you can visit to partake in events throughout the year.
While the campus has a lot to offer and being an independent individual is a great quality, it is important to be safe on campus. Going out alone at night can be dangerous. To ensure student safety in situations where you are alone at night, the NC State University Police Department provides a safety escort service.
Even though it can be difficult to bring yourself to do something alone, it could also be the best decision. It could lead to opportunities you may have not imagined. And the person who knows what you like to do best is you. Be your own date.