Even though Boca is where your grandparents retire, that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun here.

And while it’s not a college town, the surrounding cities more than make up for that.

In three years and change, I’ve managed to avoid boredom without trying especially hard. And you don’t have to either.

Here are my tips for getting out of your dorm room and making the most of your college experience.

Check out nearby cities

Thirty minutes north and south are three of the biggest metro areas near FAU: Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach. Whether you drive or take public transport, each city offers plenty of time killers.

More often than not, you’ll get tired of being in Boca and need a day out in a new place. And exploring the coffee shops and restaurants in an unfamiliar city is an easy way to return to Boca refreshed.

The nightlife in each city is also much more diverse than Boca. If you take a trip every once and a while, you won’t regret it.

Keep an eye on social media

As someone without a car my first couple years, I was often limited to what my friends were up to that weekend. I soon realized I should be using social media sites like Facebook to find new places to explore.

From movie screenings and concerts to bar crawls and art showings, you can easily find things to do right at your fingertips.

Even better, Facebook’s event page also shows which of your friends are “interested” or “going” to local events.  

Speaking from experience, I no longer have to rely on word of mouth or those sketchy fliers people slide under my dorm room door.

Join an on-campus organization

If you don’t have a car and you’re not a fan of public transportation, joining a club is an easy fix to stay busy.

For one, a club or extracurricular activity can give you a reason to meet new people on campus. I met the majority of my friends through clubs, which is a lot less intimidating than trying to sit with random groups in the cafeteria.

You also can learn real skills to help you land a job. Whether you join a professional club for your major or work for various departments on campus, you’ll be able to put that experience on your resume.

Don’t be the bozo in your dorm playing Xbox. Do something with your time.

Ryan Lynch is the business manager of the University Press. For information regarding this or other stories, email [email protected] or tweet him @RyanLynchwriter.