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College tips from a guy who goes to college year after year after year.Feb 19 '05 Write an essay on this topic.The Bottom Line School is a place for learning. It's also a place to meet friends and have a good time. I am a partner in a business that offers team building events, game shows, interactive inflatables like rock walls, obstacle courses, and jousting platforms and many other forms of entertainment. Being in NY we are invited to many colleges in the north-east. When students have free time on Friday nights and weekends they want something to do. Many students belong to clubs and service groups, that is good. Some people find entertainment through going to local towns. Sometimes schools are isolated and this isn't an option because transportation issues keep students on campus. Many get together for some hardy drinking parties too. (This isn't always good). There are also some students who just don't know others and have a harder time blending in and therefor stay in their dorms. Certain dollars are set aside by most schools to bring in alternative entertainment to students. These events are usually paid for by the school and run by the students with an advisor. Our business is involved in perhaps thirty or forty events per year and I know there are many other companies that are in the business and offer fun alternatives school weekends and "Spring Flings". Many colleges belong to NACA - National Association for Campus Activities. This organization puts on shows in various places throughout the country so student representatives can go and "shop" for activities for their school. I happen to host game shows like "Beat the Clock" that offer fun and friendly competition doing zany stunts. I'm also involved in a "Friends Game" that is similar to the "Newly Wed Game" but its friends that have to match questions. It can be male-male friends, female-female friends or male-female friends. Many times roommates come up as contestants. I also host other shows somewhat similar to the Wheel of Fortune and Trivial Pursuit games. There are many other games that are offered through other companies too. There happens to be a big business in college alternative entertainment. Many schools invite hypnotists. If you have never seen one of these shows, get there. They are hysterical! Some schools bring in bands or comedians. Students like items they can order and take with them like dog tags, or custom street signs and theme pictures are always a huge hit. Another popular item is "Wax Hands". You get a mold of your hand made from wax. The list of entertainment etc. goes on and on as do the companies that offer them. OK, so now I've told you about what we do and what is available through other companies and entertainers...now to my suggestions. Whether you are new at a school or have been there before I strongly suggest you get involved in these activities. They are free and it's also a great way to meet others. I'm sorry to say that many campuses that offer these events, have little turnout. Many of the student advisors are apologetic saying they just can't get the students out. At the same time the school needs to have alternative entertainment for students on campus. The students that do get to these events seem to have a blast. In a few schools it seems everybody gets involved, but the majority have little turnout. I even suggest you check out bulletin boards if you are going around to prospective schools to see what is offered. You'll usually see signs at the Student Center and in many dorm areas. See what the school offers. Sometimes this shows how much the school wants to get involved in your free time. The learning experience is not only in the class room. It is in the interaction with other people. Going to these free events in your school can be fun and lead to long time friendships. I see it happen when I see the same students a few years in a row at different events. School is a place to get learn but also where you should get involved and have fun. This is a contribution in Ryan's first annual College Advice Write-Off. Please join in. Penn State Abington.....They know how to party! Montclair State University, Diversity on Parade. Colgate University, Alone but Very Much Alive in the middle of New York  |
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