Going into college is pretty scary. Even if you know people going to your school, living on your own for the first time is not an easy feat. I read plenty of articles just like this one and had a "College Bound" Pinterest board before going into it, but there's still a few things I wish I had known beforehand.

1. Talk to new people.

I had a small group of high school friends when entering college but knew that I still wanted to branch out. Don't be afraid to talk to people whether it be at Welcome Week events or in class. If you notice that someone is in three of your classes, then point it out to them and you could end up becoming best friends.

2. Don't be afraid to say no.

Even if you came from a home with relatively lax parents like me, college gives you a taste of freedom you've never had before. You'll be open to so many new opportunities, but don't go crazy with it. As fun as it might sound to go on a food run at midnight, if you have class in the morning, saying no might be the best idea. Your friends will still you love you, and if they don't, they aren't your friends.

3. If you don't want to go to parties, that's ok.

I have some friends who go out every weekend and that's ok. I have some friends who went to one party and had a good time but haven't been out since. I have another friend who went to one and said never again. I've personally never been to a party, and that is ok. While drinking and dancing in a crowded frat house may be one person's idea of fun, someone else's idea of fun may be staying in with a movie and some board games, or something in between.

4. Make sure to get along with your random roommate.

I'm not saying you have to be best friends, but being able to hold a conversation might make things a little better. I have some friends who had such an awkward relationship with their roommate that being in their room was miserable; you don't want that to be you. My roommate and I ended up being pretty similar, thus making things easier. But, even if that isn't the case, you pay a lot of money for that tiny dorm room and you should be able to take advantage of it.

5. Make yourself a weekly schedule.

My first semester was decently easy so I was able to get away without doing this. My second semester, however, my classes got harder and mapping out my homework was what kept me sane. It's wonderful when you can look down at a pad of paper and know exactly what meetings, readings, and papers you have that day. Plus, crossing things off on a To-Do list is extremely satisfying.

6. It's important to do some things on your own.

This kind of goes along with #3, but you don't always have to be with other people. If you need a night alone in your room to destress and relax, do it. If you want to go study at the library by yourself, do it. If you want to eat somewhere but none of your friends do, eat there anyway. If you feel like going to the museum across the street, go. As much as college is about being social and meeting people, it's also about learning to be independent and finding yourself, too.

7. Go to class.

Out of my entire first year of college, I skipped 3 classes and overslept through one, and I do not regret going to classes on days that I might have been able to miss. If anything, I regret the very few I skipped. College is expensive, and despite it being a full experience, it is first and foremost the next step in your education. You're paying for your classes whether you go or not, so you might as well make the most out of your money. Hey, you might even learn something.

8. Talk to your professors.

One of the keys to a successful college career is getting to know your professors so that they, in turn, get to know you. The further you get in college the more you realize just how important it is to have people to use as references and write you letters of recommendation. Plus, if you're struggling in class, it will be much less scary to talk to the prof if you already have some kind of relationship with them. Oh, and if you're on the verge of getting a higher grade, they're probably more willing to bump you up if they know you.

9. Calling your mom is not a sign of defeat.

The transition to college is not easy and you're not supposed to get through it by yourself. You can only talk things out with your friends so many times before needing a new ear to listen, and your parents are perfect for that. I called my mom many times in tears my freshman year, and you shouldn't feel ashamed if you do, too. Whether you call your mom, your dad, your aunt, or your sister, whoever it is probably just glad to hear from you.

10. Study hard (but not too hard).

As I said in #7, you're at college to get an education. While it's very tempting to hang out with your friends 24/7, even if you say you're doing homework, it's not the quality work you'd be putting out if you took some time out of your day to just sit in your room or the library and study. I noticed than when I started doing this, my grades went up quite a bit. With that being said, though, I wouldn't recommend becoming the person who only leaves their room to go to class and spends the rest of their time studying, because college is not just an academic experience, but a social one as well.

11. Choose a club or two that you really enjoy.

My freshman year I wasn't really sure what I was doing and found a couple of clubs but wasn't super passionate about either. I interviewed for a couple of programs and was discouraged when I didn't get them and ended up spending the rest of my first year feeling like I wasn't that involved. So, something I'd recommend is applying for anything you see yourself enjoying and after applications and interviews are done, choosing two or so that you feel you could be passionate about and stick with them.

12. Get to know your campus.

The UofL I saw orientation day doesn't even seem like the place I go to now. Whether your go to a big or small school, the campus will probably be overwhelming. While maps are helpful, you have to actually walk around in order to get a real feel for your school. If your school has a day during Welcome Week to check out where your classes are, I'd highly suggest utilizing it. Also, don't be afraid to use Google Maps the first couple of weeks if that means not being late to class. Before you know it, you'll be able to navigate the beautiful campus you chose so many months ago and appreciate it.

13. Use your meal plan.

I know people complain about having to get one, but if you have to pay for it, why not use it? So many people end the year with 50+ meal swipes and over $100 in flex points. Even if you're trying to be healthy, I'm sure that your school has a buffet or mini grocery store that caters to your needs. There were so many times where I thought to myself, "Why should I spend real money on this if I can get it at school with a meal swipe?". If you're already upset with having to pay for a meal plan, not using it costs you even more money.

14. Take advantage of free things (and food!).

Although I said use your meal plan, it doesn't last forever, therefore taking advantage of free food is important, too. During Welcome Week and Finals Weeks, there will be people in the quads begging you to take the free stuff they're giving out. Whether it be a cookie, a burger, sunglasses, or a hat, I'd advise taking it. Being a broke college kid isn't quite so awful when you don't have to spend money.

15. Get to know the area around campus.

Part of my problem has to do with the fact that I didn't drive my freshman year, but I still wish I'd gotten to know the area better. I went downtown maybe three times total my first year, and two of those times were just to go to the Yum Center, our arena. Even if your college is in a small town, getting to know the area is important. When it's nearing the end of the semester and you're getting stir crazy from always being in your dorm, having somewhere different to go would be nice. If you're like me and don't have a car, then grab a friend or two and use the bus; however you do it, explore.

The transition from high school to college is not really easy for anyone. You're meeting all these people and are being given the opportunity to do all these new things while trying to manage a college workload for the first time. I hope these tips will help you. Good luck on your first year; it's gonna be a blast!