Orientation is in full force here at the University of Cincinnati and at other colleges across the country. While you learn a lot at orientation and the information is overwhelming, there are many things you don't know or realize until you make it onto campus for that first day, maybe even before that.

1. Rent Your Textbooks or get the eBook.

If the bookstore says that it only has buy new or buy used available, then it's time check Chegg, Amazon, or other online retailers for your books. Sometimes an eBook is just as good as the physical book. It could save you hundreds of dollars to rent or get the eBook.

2. You will likely not be best friends with everyone you meet your freshmen year.

I am maybe friends with like three or four people from freshman year. Sometimes, it takes time to build those friend circles. Get involved, volunteer and people will see that and will want to be friends and take part in your shared interests.

3. Get a job on campus.

As a full-time student during the school year, you can work up to 24 hours right here on UC's campus. It's convenient to have a job that will work around your classes because you will have money for the things you need and usually the things you want, too. Plus, if you work on campus and have classes the same day, you are more inclined to go to class because you're already on campus.

4. Bring. Shower. Shoes.

This probably sounds odd, but sometimes you'll have a community shower if you decide to live on campus. Please get a cheap pair of flip flops at the very least. You're sharing a community shower with a ton of people and you never know what they might have in terms of germs and such. Plus, you will feel more thankful for your shower back home or the shower you'll have if you move off campus.

5. Find hobbies or interests that are completely outside of your program.

As a journalism and political science student, it is refreshing to be involved with something that has nothing to do with my program. I volunteered as a tutor and at the Bunbury Music Festival. I also am a part of the Harry Potter Appreciation Club. Branch out, get involved with an intramural sport, anime club, yoga, whatever it is that makes you happy. I listen to music, write creatively, and play video games in my spare time. It makes the college experience much more rewarding.

6. What you think you want to do when you're a freshman will not be the same when you're a senior.

I thought I was just going to be in journalism – just writing, maybe doing news. Now, I want to get involved with public relations, digital media, something more communications related, and still write. I enjoy working with video, audio, and anything technology related as well. Don't be afraid to take that marketing class, that English class, or Music of the Beatles. Everything will work out for you.

7. You'll end up taking multiple naps on campus and no one will bat an eye.

At first, this probably sounds weird, but at college, you will find people sleeping under tables, in the student union, food court, dining hall, and even in the lecture halls. You'll eventually find the napping areas on your campus and it always helps to have that midday pick me up. We're all tired college students. We understand. We don't question anyone who naps on campus because we've likely napped on campus too.

8. Lock. Your. Door.

Whether if it's your car door or room/apartment/suite door, please lock your doors. I can't express this enough. You never know what people can do on or off campus. This is just a common sense safety precaution, but life is unpredictable. Better safe than sorry, especially with our valuables at risk.

9. It is okay if you don't go to parties.

You can have fun on weekends if you decide to, but don't let people force you into it. Unfortunately, it can happen and it might be a little lonely, but find the friends you want to make memories with. There is nothing wrong with going out, but if it's not your thing, then that's okay too. Just be yourself and you'll meet the right people along the way.

10. You will not meet Prince Charming your freshman year.

Sometimes, you do, but it's completely okay if you don't. You have your whole life to meet the right person. Take the time to work on improving yourself and growing. If you already have a special someone, that's okay too because you can grow together. Finding someone, if you go into college single, should not be your priority.

11. Attend a leadership conference or two on campus.

Even if you have to go for a class, you might as well make the most of it. Going to an on-campus conference of any sort will help you network and make valuable friends. Plus you will get training that you may not get in any of your classes to help you begin the journey to becoming a professional in your area.

12. Amazon Prime is your best friend... as is Netflix.

This connects back to renting textbooks instead of buying, but Amazon Prime is discounted at $50/year after a six-month trial for students. It's handy if your headphones die, if you need test prep materials, or really anything weird that you might not have remembered to get before heading to campus. And Netflix. Always a solid weekend option.

13. You may not find your friend circle in your first year.

Some people do, but if you don't, rest assured you'll find your people eventually. It took me a solid three years before I could find my friends. You're always meeting new people in college even when you get to be a senior so keep an open mind, learn to trust people, and be open to life itself.

14. Actually go to class.

This probably sounds like common sense, but please go to class. We're likely paying for this the rest of our lives, so go to class. We have all been through that 8 a.m. class we had to take for our major or the one class that made us fall asleep or the one class that annoyed the daylights out of us, but go to class so you can make that good grade that you're working hard to get. It's worth getting off to a strong start.

15. Visit. Office. Hours.

I wish someone would have told me that it was normal and okay to go to office hours as a freshman. I did not really start taking advantage of professor or teaching assistant's office hours until maybe my junior year. If you're stuck on a part of your paper or a concept, they are always there to help you out. I recommend shooting a quick email to make sure that they are going to be there just in case. Professors, TAs, and your peers all want you to succeed and you can't go through this college journey alone.

16. Take this time to reflect and discover who you really are.

If you would have told me I would be finishing two majors and a minor all in four years, I would have laughed as a freshman. You will not be the same person semester to semester, or from year to year in college. You'll gain personal and professional life experiences that will transform you into the person you did not know that you wanted to become.

17. Remember to take time to take care of yourself.

I can't stress this enough. If you need to, reach out to a counselor or professional if that is what you feel like you need. Reach out to professors and they will work with you if you find yourself in a pickle. Make sure you take that weekend away from campus once in a while even if you just go home and watch Netflix in your own bed. I can't stress the importance of self-care. Take an hour a night and watch your favorite show. The little things add up.

College orientation is full of information about the campus and making sure you are ready for the first year. However, as much information as there is presented, you will not fully be prepared. I hope this list helps put some worries or concerns to rest. Just remember we were all freshmen at one point. It only gets better as you push forward.