New experiences in general are terrific for your brain, and college is full of opportunities to explore. You don’t have to break the bank or even leave campus, either: maybe you switch up your Saturday night plans by hitting up a concert in the auditorium instead of the usual house party, or maybe you check out the sports stadium one afternoon versus lingering in the library. Of course, you can also do something more involved, like applying for a study abroad program or traveling out of state during your fall break.
Anytime you go someplace new, you encounter uncertainty, which builds more neural pathways in your mind and helps develop mental fortitude. Faced with change, you are also encouraged to practice empathy and creativity. Plus, you get to cultivate new stories and friendships along the way!