This is a time when we party, hang out with friends, and occasionally go to school and study. It is the most important time of a person’s life and it can be the best experience or the worst experience that someone may go through. It’s college.

There is so much that college has to offer: from Greek life and other clubs to student employment and athletics-there is a surplus of options and “things to do.”

For some people, college is a new and fresh start in life. They may attend a school where they do not know anyone else and can create a whole new life for themselves. A shy and diffident person can open up and become an outgoing, gregarious socialite.

Others choose the path where they follow their friends or stay close to home. They can enjoy everything college has to offer while still being reasonably close to their family and friends.

Florida Atlantic University is a commuter school, which means that in order for a student to develop a true “college experience” he or she must put forth an effort and make use of what the University has to offer. For example, many students wake up, drive to school, go to class and go home.

These same people may also complain that FAU does not give them a college life because it is not, for instance, the University of Florida, where they are located in a “college town.” However, I believe that everyone has the same opportunity; whether a person lives on or off campus, everyone has the chance to get involved and be active in their university.

I have learned from experience that you cannot just let college pass you by, but rather you must take advantage of what it has to offer. There is the easy excuse of not getting involved in the university because it is not very “college life oriented.” However, once you do become active in it, you will realize that it is just as “college life oriented” as anywhere else. So get active because this experience only happens once and it can change your life forever.