You made it. You have completed the rollercoaster ride otherwise known as high school. Say adios to those AP course outlines and your miniscule locker because you are on the road to bigger and better things.

You are about to embark on one of the most important journeys in your young life – college. College is your time to reinvent yourself the way that you want to be remembered. There are no preexisting stereotypes about you. There are no past reputations casting shadows on you. Entering into college is opening a new chapter in your book. As an incoming freshman, the complicated workings of the college system may seem daunting and overwhelming. Luckily, as I soon found out after starting school, you are not alone. Every one of your classmates is in the same boat. Take a deep breath, you are going to come out of this (seemingly endless) educational tunnel alive.

The transition into college life can be hard. Regardless of whether you will be attending a large or small university, the overarching independence that comes with college life is almost always the same. YOU choose your classes. YOU wake yourself up every morning. YOU cook yourself Ramen noodles four times a week. YOU decide your own curfew. This independence can be exciting yet unprecedented. A fulfilling college life is about balance – balancing your course load, balancing your social life, balancing your clubs and activities. College is the time to find the authentic “you” and take part in activities that make you happy. In order to achieve this happiness, it is important to keep these next few tips in mind as you make yourself at home on your new campus.

1. First, you do NOT need to buy every single item listed in the local Target or Bed Bath & Beyond “Back to School” advertisements. Coming from personal experience, it is physically impossible to fit all of these items into your deceivingly small dorm room. To avoid cramped living space with your roomie, stick to buying basic pieces first such as storage containers, bedding sets, adhesive wall hooks, wall decorations, etc. If you are a fellow coffee addict such as myself, invest in a Keurig (after checking your university’s dorm rules and regulations, of course). This investment may also double as a water boiler when times get tough. The excessive desk organizers and area rugs can be put on the back burner to be bought at a later time after you settle into your new digs and see what works best.

2. Second, learn to organize your time. In college, time management is crucial. Balancing classes, homework, social life, and clubs may sound simple but is no easy task. There are constantly happenings on campus; you have to take the initiative to adequately plan your time so that you can participate in all of your obligations while leaving time to squeeze in your favorite episode of your latest Netflix obsession. Jotting down time commitments in a daily planner or iPhone calendar helps to keep your thoughts organized and your sanity intact.

3. Next, do not be afraid to get involved! People will tell you this statement over and over again but it really does make all the difference. Get involved in whatever you are interested in the most, whether that is Greek life, club sports, journalism, science, or community service. Chances are, your university has an existing club for many of your interests. If they do not, be a trailblazer and petition to start your own club. Don’t be afraid to get involved in that activity you’ve never tried before – you may surprise yourself.

4. Now, for those girls intending to rush a sorority, don’t get too caught up in the hype of recruitment. Go into the week of formal recruitment with an open mind. Picture yourself on a night in surrounded by the girls in your dream house watching corny rom coms and snacking. Are these the girls you would want to spend that time with? Take into account the bigger picture; don’t simply form judgments based on stereotypes or opinions heard through the grapevine. Seek out a chapter with girls you genuinely get along with. These girls will be whom you live with, eat with, hang with, and “throw what you know” with. These girls will become your sisters and your closest friends. Rushing a sorority was one of the best decisions I have made so far on campus; it has introduced me to an entirely new group of girls and so many new opportunities. Never fear – the system really does work in your favor.

5. Finally, and most importantly, remember to study! College is a whirlwind of new excitement and it’s easy to get caught up in all of the fun aspects. However, try not to forget the main reason why you are on campus. You will thank yourself come midterms and finals if you stick to a study schedule throughout the semester. College classes are hard. The easy A’s achieved during high school may not make as frequent of an appearance in your new college course load. Do not panic. College is about making mistakes and learning from them. Don’t waste your time stressing about not having the “perfect” GPA. Instead, seek outlets for help if you have trouble in a subject. Go to office hours, create a study group, or meet with one-on-one with your professor (they really love lunch or coffee).

All in all, college is a time to find yourself. Pursue a major that you truly enjoy and follow your own interests. Do not try to impress others. Seek out friends that share similar values and standards as you. Don’t fall in love in a frat basement. Have a girls’ night in every once in a while. Go to the gym (the freshman fifteen is real). Be open to change and new perspectives. Accept your flaws. Be spontaneous. Enjoy the ride.