So you’re starting college. High school is a thing of the past and you are now an adult with adult responsibilities. Because of this, you will notice a lack of authority when it comes to your life. There is no one there to tell you what to do. Things can be confusing. So I am here to compile a list of things that you might not know about college.

1. Even though attendance may be optional, you should still always go to class.

So many freshmen come in with the idea that if attendance is optional, then that means that it is not required. Now this is wrong and right at the same time. The attendance itself is not necessary to pass the class. The teacher does not look at your attendance when calculating your grade is all that this means. You are still required to know that information that the teacher gives you during those days. So to save yourself the panic when finals roll around, go to class. You are paying for it, after all. It would be like paying almost a thousand dollars for a party and then not showing up and then wondering why you did not have fun.

2. Take your first semester slow.

As a freshman, you might feel the urge to jump right into everything. You’ve seen it in movies and heard about it from older friends and siblings. College is amazing and filled with so many clubs and events. So what I am about to tell you might sound weird and, to be honest, it is something some people possibly do not agree with. But you should stay away from clubs and extra-curricular activities your first semester. I know it sounds silly but you need to get into the flow of college before anything else. You do not want to get distracted by clubs, parties, and other things when you still have tons of work to do. Ease into it. Maybe join one club at first. So many freshmen make the mistake of doing this and they become so stressed out because they have biology club, basketball practice, and a football game to go to and they forgot about that Algebra test they needed to study for.

3. Ask for help!

Most colleges offer free tutoring and all teachers have office hours to answer questions you need. They are there for you to help you succeed. They are not just collecting a paycheck. If you need help, ask for it.

4. Always have water and a snack on hand.

Such a simple thing but when you have classes try to bring water and a snack. It is hard to focus if you are thirsty or your stomach is eating itself alive. Most teachers are OK with this and if they aren’t, just take a little break and go out of the classroom to eat.

5. There is no shame in needing a break.

Some days we just can’t do it. You wake up feeling sick, stressed, and nothing is going right. It is OK to put yourself first. Send your teacher an email explaining why you are not there and ask for any missed work. Contact a friend in the class, which you should always have a buddy to help you, and ask them to take notes for you that you can get later. Perhaps even ask if they can record the lecture. Don’t just miss the day and not do anything about it. If in the middle of the class you feel stressed or sick, it is OK to ask the person next to you if they will take notes for you and leave. Even if you only need a minute, I promise it is fine to leave the room and take a small break. If you don’t take care of yourself, your grades will suffer.