Before I began my freshman year at East Carolina University. I went to a small high school in the foothills of North Carolina. My school was only just barely over 515 students strong at the time. When you are at a school of this size everyone usually knows your name. Maybe not your last name, but they know your name. I knew that was going to change once I began studying at East Carolina. A school with over 28,000 students a drastic change from what I had been accustomed to. I was easily shell shocked once I was there. This soon changed once I became acclimated to the area and made new friends. I just wish I knew these things ahead of time. Well, fret no more. Here are 10 things you should know before saying goodbye for nearly 10 months.

1. You’re Going To Get Homesick.

Sure you probably saw this coming. Your parents and relatives have told you at holiday dinners, and nearly every time they saw you. The one thing to remember is. They want you to be there. Sure they miss you, but they know why you are there at college. I’m not saying you can’t miss them. Just don’t make the only mistake that’s worse than the “freshman 15.”

2. Get Involved!

I can’t stress this enough. The main way of making friends and making memories is to get involved. Join a club on campus. It could be anything you’re interested in, or something you’ve never tried before. The amount of friends I have on my campus now is larger than I ever could have imagined. There isn’t a single day that goes by that I don’t pass someone I wave to.

3. Don’t Be Afraid To Talk.

I know that was very broad. Yes, that can mean a lot of things. What you should know is to not be afraid to reach out to others. You know that person you sit beside in class that doesn’t talk. Talk to them. The chances are that they don’t have anyone to talk to. Also, talk with your professors. Let them know who you are. Once you do that you gain just that much more of their attention. Let them know your name.

4. Go To Class!

You’re finally on your own! Your parents aren’t around to make you go to school. You’re just going to lie in bed all day long. Sorry, but unless you want to be sleeping at home and know that you just sent more than $15,000 down the drain you might want to get up and go to class. I know you’ve heard this all before too. The thing is I’m not paid by your college to tell you. I’m a living-breathing student just like you. What I’m telling you is true. Go to class, or you wont pass.

5. Have Fun!

Yes, have fun! You deserve it if you’re there. College isn’t just a place where you go to learn. It’s much more than that. College is a place where you are surrounded by thousands of others just like you. The only thing is that you need to find out their stories. The only thing that is more important than having fun is to remember why you are there. Sooner or later you’ll be on your way to graduation, and possibly making more "fun coupons!"