College. What a trip. Am I right? Four years ago I moved into my dorm room with sweaty palms, mostly because there was no air conditioning. A couple weeks ago, I accepted my college diploma with sweaty palms, mostly because I must pay student loans off now. The last for years were nothing short of life changing. They were creating. Looking back now, I can see how much I’ve grown. I’m no expert, but I did survive it…kinda. Here are my tips:

1. Expect to be tired…all the time.

I'm assuming this applies to the rest of my life as well.

2. Seize opportunities.

The ones that seem inconsequential and the scary ones too.

3. Drink more water.

…especially at the end of the nights that you get home between the hours of 2am and 5am

4. Don’t trust too easily or too fast.

You’ll meet a lot of people. They will come and go. The ones worthwhile will stick around.

5. Don’t fear love.

I’m talking about you. Love yourself. Romantic relationships are oftentimes temporary, but you gotta have your own back.

6. Do dumb things.

Nothing too dangerous or life threatening, though.

7. Don’t be an asshole.

You should know that already, though.

8. Think of how your actions affect others.

The world is bigger than yourself.

9. Learn to cook.

You’ll save money and gain skills.

10. Laugh.

Humor is a great way to cope with the awful things that are going to happen. Don’t get me wrong, awesome things will happen too.

11. Save your Snapchat stories.

You can laugh at how dumb you are later.

12. Work out.

It’s good for the body and soul. Find what works for you…probably not cardio.

13. Leave toxic relationships.

Don’t look back. Take care of yourself. Don’t try to fix them.

14. Train yourself in optimism.

When you think a negative thought, counteract it with a positive one.

15. Do your laundry more than once a month.

...or just buy more clothes. Jk, would do that??

16. Try to do things on your own.

When that doesn’t work, call Dad.

17. Probably should say something about not putting off schoolwork.

I did, but you shouldn’t.

18. Congratulate yourself and others.

Life is hard. Let’s help each other out.