While living in the dorm during my undergrad years at Northwestern State University, I lived down the hall from a young woman who was a fan of “Days of Our Lives”. “I gotta get to my room. ‘Days’ is on!” she would say. It amazed me that a full-time student who was living on campus was so interested in something that was not real—something that was created by writers. She and I both had some very real excitement going on around us.

Northwestern had the Student Activities Board, a student organization that frequently put on activities for the students to participate in. There were on-campus movies, Bingo games, and guest speakers, for example—all of which students could enjoy. In addition to activities, there were other things available to us, as well.

Another thing that we could take advantage of as students was the school’s beautiful campus. On a pretty weekday afternoon, it seemed wasteful to sit inside watching television. To me, it made more sense to get out, get some exercise, and enjoy the campus. I made a point of going walking every day after class. During my walks, I saw what other students were involved with, and I got some sun and fresh air. The exercise helped me to get school out of my head briefly, it energized me, and it helped me to watch my weight. The dorm itself was also a great environment for productive activities.

Some students started businesses, for example. They used the dorm lobby for parties. By holding the parties there, other dorm residents who saw what was going on could take advantage of the party, buy a product, and help the student to earn some money. By starting a business while living in the dorm and keeping it going throughout school, the student would have a way to pay bills after graduation. Having a business would provide the student with peace of mind when he graduated. He would be working and earning money, rather than worrying. The dorm was also a good place to form a study group. Residents might find other students from their classes or from their Greek organizations. They could then get together with these students, study, and succeed in their classes so that they could remain in their organizations and stay in school.

If you will be starting college in the fall, consider ignoring soap operas. Instead, work on the relationships in your life. Build a good relationship with your roommate, for example. After all, the two of you will spend at least one semester together. If you become friends, your time together can be pleasant. Stay in touch with your advisor, and inform him of any problems you are having in your classes. By building relationships with others, college can be a very positive experience.