Your first year of college is stressful and scary and really emotional. If you go to a university away from home after high school, it's even more nerve-racking. You have to completely start over in a new town with new people, and you're completely unaware of everything there. If you stay home and go to community college, it's similar to this but typically you're still familiar with the town the college is in. If you're a first-time college student, here's 10 things you need to know:

1. Your family misses you just as much as you miss them. Call them.

2. Highlighters, post-it notes, and colored pens will be your best friend.

3. Also, investing in a planner will save your life.

4. On the first day of class, get there early and sit in the middle of the room on the edge of the row.

5. Rent your books from anywhere other than the bookstore.

6. Always meet with your adviser to do your schedule for the next semester.

7. Take notes on everything, no matter how much your hand hurts or how unimportant the material sounds.

8. Bring snacks to class.

9. Never, ever put your stuff away five minutes before class is supposed to end. Wait until your professor dismisses you.

10. If you're going to be late to class, or you have to miss class, email your professor at least a day in advance.

Good luck!