I was the last generation in college without a smartphone. We were more spontaneous, and social media didn't dictate our lives.

LeoPatrizi/Getty Images

When I took a college tour in the early 2000s, I walked carefully around campus, making note of pivotal places. The campus, with its lush trees and lively school spirit, was conveniently built in a circle so that it was easy to navigate. A tour guide pointed out high-traffic areas, referencing crucial dorms and buildings, and I made sure to pay attention because those were the places where I would need to make friends. There wasn't another option then since I entered college without a smartphone.