College ranking system redifined

Now that I am nine weeks into my college experience, I feel as though I have a pretty accurate account of what college life is like. Yes, college is challenging, and there are classes that are mentally taxing, but the most valuable part of the experience is actually in the use of time outside of the classroom. Here is a top five list of the best parts of college life so far:

10. The library and the gym. This may sound totally dorky, but I am so excited to have the opportunity to get lost in a library filled with fascinating books about a variety of topics that I may not have ever considered before. I love getting the chance to explore the reading material, and get an education on so many topics through college, even if I am not taking a formal class on a subject-matter. The gym is also a resource that is often under-used by college students but is exceptional. The facilities are immaculate and very modern, offering an exercising experience that is well worth the sweat and pain.

2. Football and basketball games. Getting to bond with everyone from your school in support of an athletic team (even if they suck), is an amazing part of the college experience. Taking full advantage of the student section, going to the games makes a fun experience even better when you feel as though you are actually part of the action of the game itself.

3. Dorm life. Being able to chill in the room and play video games with the guys makes dorm living more of a fun experience than a restriction. Tonight, we were all sitting around, telling jokes, eating pizza, and playing video games. It was an awesome time, and really a fun way to decompress after the stresses that come with a school day.

4. Reinvention. When you enter college life, there are no preconceived notions or standards that have been set. You are totally able to reinvent yourself if you want as a person, in an attempt to make you a better you. In my case, I feel as though I am able to work on eliminating the parts of me that I don't like and really work on making dominant the parts of me that I do like.

5. Independence. I heard it over and over before starting school, but the amount of independence given to college students is through the roof. Nobody cares that I am awake let alone blogging at 3 in the morning. I can eat when I want, sleep when I want, attend classes if I want. Having that free will is an incredible opportunity, but also the area in which most college kids screw up. Learning how to be independent is really the whole point to the college experience as it is.