Fall is upon us!

How excited are you to wear leggings, boots and cute hats everyday?! The time for pumpkin spice everything, pumpkin pie, Christmas lights, and everything great is almost here!

However...

Before we make it there, we have to begin this semester!

I know, mehhhh, but I am here to help!

After having an extremely rocky start to my first semester at college, I have a few tips to help anyone!

1. Always check the Dropbox receipts.

My very first college essay is in the gradebooks as a zero because after I submitted, I didn't check my receipts.

2. Email professors to double check textbooks.

This semester, I emailed a professor to double check a textbook. The professor emailed me back and said, "I don't think I see what the problem is," but then I received an email from this professor, and they said "I was just emailed and informed that the book has been changed."

So, anyway.... Alwaysdouble check!

3. Dress comfy!

If comfy means high heals and a dress, or tennies and leggings everyday, just do you. Be comfortable in your own clothes and skin.

4. Get a planner, and use it!!

Look, I didn't think that I would need a planner, but you do. Put your work schedule, your academic schedule and your social schedule inside. All too often, those worlds collide, and you gotta know how to keep them organized.

5. Read your syllabi.

Most of them have the entire class planned out. Also, the attendance policy is in there, and you should always be aware of that.

6. Put a face to your name.

There are a lot of people in those classes, and when a professor looks at a name it is hard to put a face to every single one. Go to office hours! Raise your hand in class! Ask questions!

Years from now -- or even just a semester or two -- you may need a recommendation for a job, program, internship, etc. If you contact them years from now, and ask for something and they don't know who you are, chances are they aren't gonna help you.

7. Study.

This isn't high school. It's college. It's the major leagues, and it's time to step up your game. Study every chance you get. All-nighters don't do anything! It's scientifically proven all-nighters don't work.

8. Drink water!!!

Listen.

Water is the key to life. When you drink water, it helps your skin, hair, nails, and all your body systems. I know it's hard to drink water. It's easy to be out and order a soda or alcoholic beverage (if you're of age) but try!

9. Get a good sleep schedule.

Like I said about the all-nighters, they don't work. They're useless. Sleep is so important! Life is all about balance.

10. Eat right.

I know I keep talking about balance, but it's true. So, make sure you even out the junk food with a salad every now and then. Also, water. Drink water.

11. Make friends.

Everyone needs friends, and you're no exception. So, get a good group of friends, and surround yourself with good vibe and positive vibes. Join study groups and hang out with people.

Like I said, life is about balance.

12. Don't put too much on your plate.

Classes, sororities, sports, clubs, family, and friends. There are a lot of things you can put on your plate. Make sure to design your workload and use your time as wisely as possible, and be sure to create a work load specific to your lifestyle.

These are just a few ways to stay on top of your game this semester. Everyone is different, and everyone has different "life hacks." Share some of yours in the comments!