College flies by, and before you know it, graduation is around the corner. While earning your degree is the ultimate goal, your college experience is about so much more than academics. It’s the perfect time to explore, grow, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

In this post, I’m sharing 20 things every college student needs to do before graduating to make the most of their college years. This checklist covers personal growth, career preparation, and unforgettable experiences.

Ready to make your college years unforgettable? Let’s dive in!

1. Study Abroad or Take a Trip with Friends

Traveling is one of the best ways to broaden your horizons. Many colleges offer study abroad programs, or you can plan a spring break trip with friends. I attend Temple University, which offers an incredible study abroad Rome program. My roommate recently spent a semester there and described it as one of the most fun and unforgettable experiences of her life. These experiences create memories and develop skills like adaptability and independence.

Tip: Check with your university’s study abroad office for scholarship opportunities to make it affordable!

2. Land an Internship in Your Field

Internships are essential for gaining real-world experience and boosting your resume. They’re a great way to determine if your chosen career path is the right fit and to connect with valuable mentors. While it may feel daunting to think about internships on top of your college workload, trust me—this is one of the best investments you can make in your future.

The more internships you complete, the better! Not only will they allow you to explore your major or discover a completely different field that interests you, but they’ll also help you build a strong resume. Once you graduate, finding a job becomes much harder if you don’t have at least one internship under your belt.

Bonus Tip: If you don’t know where to begin, start on LinkedIn or Handshake. These are excellent platforms to kick off your internship search and connect with recruiters. Keep reading, I’ll talk more about this in the blog.

3. Join a Club or Student Organization

Getting involved on campus is a great way to make friends, build your network, and discover new interests. From academic clubs to intramural sports and social organizations, there’s something for everyone. Joining a club can also help you develop leadership skills and enhance your resume—a win-win!

I’m part of The Professional Sales Organization at Temple University, and let me tell you—sales is not something that interests me academically. However, the real-world skills and connections I’ve gained from this organization are invaluable. I’ve met some of my closest friends through this club, proving that even if something doesn’t align with your major, it can offer unexpected benefits.

4. Build a Professional LinkedIn Profile

A polished LinkedIn profile is an essential tool for standing out to recruiters and establishing your professional presence. Start by including a high-quality, professional headshot that conveys confidence and approachability. Write a compelling headline that clearly states your career aspirations or areas of expertise, such as “Aspiring Digital Marketer | Social Media Strategist” or “Future Software Engineer with a Passion for Innovation.”

In the “About” section, craft a short narrative that highlights your skills, experiences, and future goals. Mention relevant internships, volunteer work, or leadership roles that showcase your abilities. Use bullet points to make your profile easy to scan, and add measurable achievements wherever possible, such as “Increased social media engagement by 30% during my marketing internship.”

Don’t forget to list your skills and seek endorsements from peers, professors, or colleagues. These endorsements build credibility and make your profile more attractive to recruiters. Additionally, join LinkedIn groups related to your industry to network and stay informed about trends and opportunities.

Regularly update your profile as you gain new experiences, and consider posting articles, achievements, or insights to keep your profile active and engaging.

Check out this blog on 20 Steps to a Better LinkedIn Profile

5. Attend a College Sporting Event

Even if you’re not a sports fan, attending at least one game is a must. The energy, school spirit, and sense of community at a college sporting event are unforgettable. Cheer for your team and make it a memory to treasure.

Heres me and my roommates attending a Temple football game!

6. Network with Professors

Professors can be incredible resources for advice, recommendation letters, and connections. Take advantage of their office hours to ask questions, discuss your goals, and build meaningful relationships. These connections can be valuable long after graduation.

7. Take a Class Outside Your Major

Step out of your comfort zone by enrolling in a class that has nothing to do with your major. Whether it’s creative writing, art, or astronomy, exploring new interests can spark creativity and lead to unexpected passions.

8. Attend Career Fairs

Career fairs are a goldmine for networking and learning about job opportunities. Dress professionally, bring multiple copies of your resume, and don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to recruiters. These events could lead to your first job offer!

Bonus Tip: Recruiters are impressed when candidates follow up after conversations. Sending a thoughtful follow-up email after speaking with a recruiter not only shows professionalism but also helps you stand out from the crowd.

9. Explore Your College Town

Your college town is part of your journey—get to know it! Discover local restaurants, coffee shops, parks, and unique landmarks. These experiences can make your college years even more special.

10. Pull an All-Nighter (Just Once)

While it’s not the healthiest habit, staying up all night to finish a project or cram for an exam is a rite of passage for many students. Just make sure it’s a rare occurrence and not a regular habit.

11. Build a Professional Wardrobe

Start investing in key wardrobe staples like a blazer, dress shoes, and business casual outfits. You’ll need them for interviews, internships, and your first job. Especially if you are a business major, you will need these staple pieces throughout college at some point.

Check out this blog on What Every Business School Student Should Have in Their Closet: How to Build and Style a Professional Wardrobe

Here are some cute business casual outfits!

12. Celebrate Your Achievements

Don’t forget to celebrate the big and small wins along the way. Graduation is a huge milestone, but every step matters. Treat yourself to something special or spend time with loved ones to mark your accomplishments.

By checking off these 12 things, you’ll graduate not only with a degree but also with amazing memories, valuable skills, and lifelong friendships. College is a unique chapter in your life—make the most of it!

What’s on your college bucket list? Share your must-dos in the comments below! And don’t forget to explore The College Glow-Up for more tips and inspiration to make your college experience unforgettable.

12 Things Every College Student Needs to Do Before Graduating