Although it might not feel like it at the time, your college years are a great time to have fun away from the responsibilities that will drag you down once you start on your chosen career path.

College students do not have to worry about mortgages, jobs, family and kids. They are free to study, party, and generally please themselves 99% of the time. Some students spend their time at college studying every second of every day, but too much work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Here is a quick guide to help you make the most of college life, even if you are studying for an online social work masters and living at home.

Choose a Subject You Enjoy

Never choose a subject you don’t like, purely to please your parents. This will end in disaster. If you hate your major, you won’t be motivated enough to put the effort into studying. It will be hard enough to drag yourself out of bed at 7AM for an 8AM lecture, but at least if you like the subject, you’ll have an incentive to set that alarm clock.

Don’t Do the Bare Minimum

There are plenty of students who go to college purely to have fun and get as much as they can out of their student social life. This is fine, but what you do need to remember is that most colleges expect you to pass exams and hand in assignments on time. The more deadlines you miss, the more likely it is that you will be penalized. If you don’t pass exams, you will be expected to re-take them. Unfortunately, there is a limit on how many times you can do this, so to avoid any problems, attend all of your classes and complete your assignments on time.

It is easier for students taking an online course such as an online MSW, as their time is more flexible. However, you still need to keep on top of your study timetable, or it will be difficult to catch up.

Join Clubs and Societies

It is essential that you put in enough time and effort in making friends and developing a social life when you start college. The friends you make at college will be the people who help you through the difficult times. It can be lonely at first, but remember that everyone is in the same boat. Join as many clubs and societies as possible, as it gives you a greater chance of making friends.

Study Abroad

Many colleges offer student exchange programs that allow you to study abroad for a year. Take advantage of this opportunity! It’s a fantastic way of spending a time in a foreign country, learning a new culture and language. It will also look good on your resume when you start looking for work.

Try to make the most of student life, even if you elect to study for an online masters of social work.