I always get frustrated because many classes are incredibly niche and not always applicable to the real-world, so here are some classes I have taken that I believe will be useful to you- no matter what your career path or goals may be. (compiled in no particular order or ranking)
It’s amazing how little most people know about their own bodies.
A single nutrition class can open your eyes to how food fuels you and teach you to make more informed choices that prevent future health issues.
Especially in college when students focus on their grades and internships, often at the expense of adequate sleep and nutrition, this class is a reminder of what’s really important.
Everybody hates it- which is why it’s so important to get good at it!
No matter what career you pursue, your ability to speak confidently in front of others can open all sorts of doors of opportunity.
The skills you’ll learn in this class will help you during presentations, interviews, and even social settings. Confidence attracts success!
*Also, the amount of people who do not know how to make a proper and readable PPT kills me
When I took public speaking, I was so nervous and afraid of being judged by my peers. But I quickly realized that everyone else felt the exact same way! In fact, our shared vulnerability helped us bond, and by the end of the semester, the class was a supportive community of friends and inside jokes.
In college, fitness is sometimes the last thing on a student's mind.
Taking PE classes forces you to dedicate time in your day to your physical well-being, and it teaches you new ways of regulating and coping with emotions (which is especially helpful during exam season).
I actually got into weightlifting when I entered college (I had never touched weights before then), and now it is my favorite part of the day.
Also, there are so many types of PE classes to choose from! I’ve taken ballet, line dancing, yoga, and more—it’s the perfect chance to explore what you love.
Managing your money is a life skill you’ll use every single day.
A personal finance course will teach you how to budget, invest, understand taxes, and plan for financial independence.
This is a MUST TAKE--seriously! Not knowing the basics (having to actually invest your money once you put it in a Roth IRA account, the difference between index funds, individual stocks, ETFs, bonds, etc.) can have serious financial consequences. Let’s aim for early retirement and stress-free tax seasons!
I am not a fan of economics, but a rudimentary understanding will help your understanding of the world’s financial systems as both a consumer and a producer.
This class teaches you why the government can’t just print more money, and you’ll finally somewhat understand the news.
Understanding how people think and why they behave the way they do is incredibly valuable.
These types of courses increase your self-awareness, help you build better connections, and improve empathy.
College doesn’t have to be all about academics!
Take at least one class purely for fun—it’s a great way to unwind from the daily pressures of student life, exercise your creativity, and meet new friends.
Whether it’s ceramics, film, or even a “dating and marriage” course (my college has one!), you never know when a fun hobby might turn into something more meaningful.
Even if we don’t realize it, we’re always negotiating.
A negotiations class can be a game-changer–especially when it comes to salary discussions, resolving conflicts, or managing social interactions.
Knowing how to negotiate well gives you an edge in both your professional and personal life.