Take time in college to take a few classes that offer more than just a credit towards your graduation. A few classes offer surprisingly helpful information that will stick in your brain (and sometimes let you show off a little) for years to come.

Finances

A class in budgeting, basic economics, or investment is never a waste of time. A basic understanding of money and how it works goes a long ways towards future success in any field. Classes on macroeconomics and advanced accounting classes won’t be helpful unless you’re a numbers wizard, so sign up for something basic with a connection to everyday life.

Psychology

Whether you view psychology as bunk or a belief system, it’s good to study human nature. Since most college graduates are seeking a job in a people-filled world, understanding a little about personality, behaviour, and motivation can be helpful. While showing off in front of your future coworkers with psychological insights is probably a bad idea, it’s a good idea to use your knowledge to to identify niches, problems, or potential advantages in the workplace.

Art or Literature

A basic course in either of these departments will give you a little knowledge worth having, believe it or not. Not just for showing off at parties or answering tough questions on Jeopardy!, knowing the names of America’s great authors, the “Old Masters” of European art, or at least the names of a few famous books and paintings will add a new dimension to your personality and show friends and family (as well as potential employers or relationships) that you possess knowledge more serious than a stack of Pokemon cards.

Horticulture

You don’t have to want your own greenhouse to find classes in green thumbs a worthy investment. Basic courses in landscaping, soil maintenance, or plant propagation can have purpose in everyday life. Landscape your own lawn, eliminate weeds organically, or correct a pH imbalance in your yard’s soil using the knowledge you gathered. Whether you’ve always wanted to properly divide plants or lay out a perfectly landscaped yard, it’s a good excuse to gain the knowledge that turns your goals into a helpful and rewarding hobby.

Law or Social Studies

Take a freshmen-level course in law or the constitution — both are worth the time. While you won’t learn enough to be your own lawyer, a basic legal course will give you some insight into how the justice system works, how lawyers approach cases, and how laws both practical and weird made it on the books. As for social studies, despite your high school nightmares, every American should have a basic understanding of the document that defined the nation and the people and times behind its concepts. At the very least, it will help you remember that long list of amendments forever being cited on political talk shows — at best, it may help define your future voting habits and political opinions.