Dear Incoming College Freshman,

Welcome to the exciting new world of college! The next four years of your life are going to be some of the most exciting, fun, stressful, and most importantly, memorable of your life so far. College brings about some of the best friendships, memories and opportunities that you could ever imagine, so get ready to enjoy the ride. Prior to moving in, read the following tips to ensure the best start to your college career.

1. Stay on Campus

So many different activities, sports, and other events take place on campus, regardless of the school that you will be attending, that staying on campus allows you to partake in the events, get to know other people and begin to make memories.

2. Go to Class

For the first time in your life, you will not be in school for eight hours at a time, so it could get easy to sleep in or just stay in your dorm rather than sit through that dreaded math class. However, sitting through that class may be the difference between a final grade of an A or a B, and it shows the professor that you care.

3. Keep Your Dorm Room Open

While in your dorm room, do your best to keep your door open. This makes it easier for others in your residence hall to notice you and stop in. During the first month, you will make more friends and get to know more people than you thought possible, and there’s nothing like doing it from the comfort of your own room.

4. Get Involved

It’s so easy to come from high school where you were involved in everything to go to school and just want to sit in your room, but do your best to get involved. Join the different clubs on campus, work for the school and participate in the school-sponsored events that take place. It’s a great way to stay active and meet new people.

5. Explore Campus

There are so many hidden “study spots” on campuses across the country, so during your first week, ask the upperclassmen where the best hidden gems are. Find the spot that you enjoy and escape from that spot when you want to study or just escape from your roommate(s).

6. Keep in Touch with Home

Earlier I mentioned to stay on campus, but that doesn’t mean to completely ignore your “old” home life. Call your mom, text your siblings and FaceTime your dad. Trust me, it will mean the world to them.

7. Let Your Parents Help You

Moving into school is definitely the start of your new adventure, but don’t push your family aside just yet. This is the last big time that your dad can help you put something together, and the last time that it is probably appropriate for your mom to hang up clothes for you, so let them. They will love helping you, and it is incredibly nice to have that extra help in setting up your dorm room.

8. Make Time for Homework

College life is wonderful! There is always something going on, and your friends are living right across the hall from you, but make sure that even though having fun is important, you make time to study. Exams in college are a little bit different than the tests in high school, which results in a little more study time.

9. But Also Make Time for Fun

Don’t get me wrong, homework and school are so important, but so is time out with your friends or participating in activities. Don’t let college life slip by because you were too focused on your school. Have fun!

10. It’s OK to Ask for Help

If you are a little confused on an assignment or just have a personal issue going on, there are people to talk to. Professors love when students ask questions, whether it’s about their class or just life in general (it means they care). Find that person you can trust, and find time to talk to them or ask for help on a regular basis.

11. Get Ready to Make the Best Friends of Your Life

Coming into college, you are more than likely thinking that absolutely no one will replace your friends from home, and although this may be true, you will make new friends. And you are bound to become close with these people because you will be with them everyday. These people will struggle through finals, and celebrate with you when you pass your first college test. By the end of the first year, you won’t be able to imagine life without them.

12. Enjoy Every Second of this New Journey

It sounds cliche, and it may be, but college goes by in the blink of an eye, so embrace each moment. Learn from the tough classes, and enjoy the classes that you understand each concept. Socialize with as many different people as you can. And, get involved.

College really is the best four years of your life, and you are in for such a fun ride. Enjoy every minute of your new journey, and I wish you the best of luck in your endeavors!