Ask HN: What should I try to do while still in college?

I've just finished sophomore year at a good liberal arts university.

I have two more years left here; what should I try to do? What should I bias for? What do you, someone who is no longer in college, wish you did, and found most useful during your time there?

More about me: So far, I've spent most of my time learning how to do work, then how to do hard work, and about myself (ADHD, etc). (In fact, I'm procrastinating right now.) I spent most of my childhood doing what I was interested in (lego, then computers), which doesn't develop the skills needed for college.

I'm a Computer Science and Mathematics double major, but I'm not sure if I'm clever enough for pure math; I am aceing the CS classes, though. I'm vaguely participating in a startup-like venture, but there is little pressure, and hence little actual startup atmosphere - but still good experience. I've thought many times about dropping out (of college), but I seriously don't have a plan, aside from the vague notion of "going to SF and figuring something out". Besides, it seems like a good idea to get a college degree + the CS/Math sophistication alongside it. Nevertheless, I'm quite bored, by the vapid partying (which I refuse to take part in - decimating my social life), the happy-go-lucky attitude of most people, and lectures + homework in general.

My life goals? I want excitement (see ADHD, above). Maybe with computers. The current startup frenzy seems to fit like a glove, but I've only heard about it on the internet.

My biggest regret from college is not getting more involved with the activities/groups my college offered. I was plenty active around campus socially, but I was only in one group my entire four years. (Well, two if you consider being a computer assistant a group.) You will gain a lot and not feel as if you missed out on what your college has to offer by participating -- not to mention all the friendships you'll build in the process. Get out there and join groups!

I'm involved in two things: the newspaper, and this 'programming' group. The newspaper's been fun - I'm quite interested in the whole gambit of publishing. The programming group hasn't done anything because no one wants to spend time in it - I've been programming alone all my life, so it's no different if no one is doing it with me.

What's your ADHD symptoms like?

I remember a period of my life where I would have to spend hours on a single page of a book because I wasn't able to retain anything. I should have went to the doctors about it.

Finances are a limiting constraint.

> My life goals? I want excitement (see ADHD, above).

Interesting article with a twist: [http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/StockInvestin...]

Re: fear and finances, this presentation from Ignite Portland might alter your thinking: "Once upon a time, in the midst of war, I went to Afghanistan with one hundred dollars to my name, a one-way airplane ticket and no promise of a job." [http://is.gd/Bvc]

I would recommend doing what you fear. Growth comes from pushing yourself. As a contrived example, if talking to beautiful women scares you.. talk to strangers in controlled situations (art galleries, sporting events). One of the best ways to meet people is where you have continuity - e.g. you see them regularly. Some of the most interesting people I know are interesting because they know people of all interests, vertical groups. Join groups that you have an interest in but are not already skilled in. True networkers connect people who might never meet together.

Sometimes a personality test can help you learn more about who you are. People like to give advice but sometimes don't because it might offend inadvertently.. perhaps you can talk to someone who is known you for a long time and ask them for advice? This one linked below is expensive but better than the Myers-Brigg test. http://www.kolbe.com