Entering college can be a really scary thing. No matter what your parents tell you, it isn't that easy to make new friends and get comfortable in a BIG new place. My first year of college couldn't have gone much worse than it actually did. It was mainly a roommate/roommate's boyfriend issue, but it seems as though we may have all been a little at fault. And I will say my next year wasn't much better either. So here are my top tips for having a great freshman year in college!

1. Get out there!

Don't just sit in your dorm room and watch the world go by. Even if you just spend some time walking around campus or seeing your new city, get outside! If you close yourself off you'll never get comfortable or be able to succeed in college.

2. Talk to everyone!

Even if they live on the other side of your dorm building or if you only have one class with them, talk! You never know if you walked past your possible best friend. Some people that I have talked to in one class have become very good friends of mine. Even if you only say "hi" or speak to them once, talk to them.

3. Go to every event!

If your RA is throwing a hall party or if there is a sports event, get out there and go to it! Some times you never know what you like until you go to it once. My first hockey game was so much fun! I would have never normally gone to that type of thing, but in the end I am so glad that I did. Try everything once!

4. Don't forget to actually study!

If you actually manage to go to college and not study at all please, let the masses know how you did that. You need to find a good mix between fun and books. It may be difficult at first, but soon it will be second nature that you know when you need to study before your fun.

5. SLEEP!

It comes without saying that you need to sleep in college. It is easier said than done. The noise level in the dorms is crazy. Even during "quiet hours" there is almost never quiet. And once you start binge watching something in a friend's room it is hard to leave to sleep. Just remember that you need to sleep and keep yourself healthy in college.

6. Keep some of your old friends close!

It is true what they say, "keep your friends close." Even if it is just a text or Facebook message once a month, keep in contact with your hometown friends. When you go home for breaks, make plans with them. Keeping yourself in touch with people at home helps ease the pain of missing you college friends.

7. Call your parents once in awhile!

Your mother is going to blow up your phone with texts and calls for the first whole month! Just remember to keep her informed when you get comfortable and start meeting people. Even if it is just a text at night that says how you spent your day, keep your parents in the circle. And during your first month just remember, they miss you WAY more than you miss them!

8. Get to know a professor or two!

Making connections with professors is a huge deal no matter what your major is. The more they get to know you the more you can use them for. Lab work, references and study help are just a few of the things you can obtain from professors that know you as more than just a number in a class. In bigger schools it may be harder to do but stick with it. Knowing people gets you places!

9. Put yourself out there!

Always, always be yourself! Never change the way you act or dress just to impress the new people that you meet in college. They will love you for you! Be nothing but yourself and let your possible new friends see the kind of person that you are!

10. Join at least one club or group!

Join a club or group on campus that interests you! Here you will meet more people that have the same interests as you. This will most likely give you a weekly outing and allow you to be more open to new and different experiences.

Your freshman college year can be a scary thing, but it is such an exciting time! Get out there are experience all that there is to experience! Enjoy your new life and the next step in your life!