Your freshman year of college is one of the most exciting and terrifying times of your life. During this time, you'll learn more about yourself than you ever thought possible. Along the way, you will pick up some tips and tricks that are essential for any college student trying to survive. Here's a list of just a few pointers to make your freshman experience a piece of cake...

1. Living on your own is a whole new, exciting world.
2. But it’s also okay to have those daily phone calls with Mom.
3. Invest in a nice coat and shoes.
4. Buy a planner.
5. You will become a coffee person.
6. Get involved (even if it’s something you never saw yourself doing like Greek Life).
7. Find a balance between school life and social life.
8. Your friend group will quickly become family.
9. Make it a priority to stay in touch with your hometown friends.
10. Go to the store and buy some fruit and veggies, your body will thank you after eating too much dining hall food.
11. Your banking app is your new best friend.
12. Go on the date.
13. Explore your new surroundings.
14. Going out is fun, but some nights, a movie night with your best friend is much better.
15. Go to office hours and get to know your professors.
16. Spotify Premium is totally worth it as a student.
17. Ratemyprofessors.com is your friend.
18. You may think you’re going to wear all those super cute clothes you brought with you, but just about every day is actually spent in an oversized t-shirt, leggings, and Birkenstocks.
19. And makeup is a once a week, special occasion sort of thing.
20. It’ll get stressful but keep on smiling and enjoy this time while you have it.