1. Buy yourself a planner and some highlighters.

Buying a planner can be one thing, but using it is the hard part. I recommend buying a small one to access it all times. Designate time in the morning or in between classes to plan your week/month. Color coordinate your errands, appointments, homework, chores, etc. Document literally EVERYTHING.

Cross things off when you have completed them. Write motivational notes to yourself on random pages. That tiny inspiration might get you through finals week! Remember to take a look at your planner every morning when you wake up and every night when you go to sleep.

2. Take time to exercise.

Exercising is a great way to relieve that college student stress. Utilize the free fitness center on campus or even pay for a membership at a local gym if you commute. Studies have even shown that exercising can make a student more attentive and have a better memory. Exercising can put you in a better mood as well. Release those endorphins!

It even gets better! Exercising will boost your self-confidence. Everyone wants to feel confident, right?

3. Be an early bird.

Being an early bird is one of the best decisions I have made. Waking up early gives you time to relax. Take in the quietness of the morning.

Pro tip: Shower in the morning. There's nothing better than the squeaky fresh feeling after a long, hot shower. After showering, make yourself a good breakfast. When I say good breakfast, I mean egg whites, toast, juice, and bacon if you're feeling really good! A Wawa Sizzli breakfast sandwich is NOT a good breakfast. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

Make your mornings a priority. This is the start of your day, so make it good. No one wants to be falling asleep during a lecture or having to cover up your growling stomach in class.

4. Save your money.

Saving money can be brutal as a college student, especially if you have no source of income. If you do, though, be smart with your finances. College is the time to prepare for the real world. Get yourself a credit card and build your credit. Be extra responsible with it, though. You want your credit to be in excellent shape when you graduate college, so you don't have to worry about any issues when buying a new car or even a house.

Budget your money. Do you really need to go out to lunch every day? No. Start packing your own food. Buying food at the food store is much cheaper than fast food places, and it can be healthier and last longer as well! Do you really need those new Air-pods? No! Your phone most likely came with earbuds. Use them!

To keep it simple, just don't waste your money on things you don't need.

5. Tend to your mental health. 

Mental health can often be brushed to the side when you have loads of homework, work, and maintaining a social life.

Think about sitting in for a night instead of partying. Have a night to yourself to relax. Wind down with a hot bath, a natural face mask, and a good book. After your bath, get a good night of rest. Don't sacrifice your sleep for doing other things. You can't gain back the sleep you've already lost.

Remember, it's okay to cry. Chances are, other people in your Oncology class also want to cry just as hard. Crying will make you feel better. Release those tears and gather; you'll feel much calmer when you're done.

6. Talk to people.

Make friends in college. Having a support group is crucial. Not only do you need friends, but you also need to be able to collaborate with others. I have experienced more group work in my first year of college than my entire high school career. It's useful to have someone to go to when you need input on an assignment or even just to go out to get your mind off things.

Everyone in college is different. You might surprise yourself by getting into something that you never thought you liked before. Find a person unique to you. This is the time to discover the new things about yourself. Don't be shy!

7. Work smarter, not harder.

Quizzes and tests should be studied for over the course of the semester, not at one o'clock in the morning before it's administered. Divide your workload and set aside studying time for yourself each week.

Pay attention. Taking notes in class is crucial! Even if you think you know the material, take notes. It's better to be safe than sorry. Take out your earbuds, put your listening cap on, and WRITE notes. Personally, I don't retain the information if I am typing on my laptop. Handwriting notes is much easier to retain. Label your notes and highlight key words. This will make it so much easier when you're studying.

If you have any questions, ask your professor. Don't be scared of them. They want to help you as much as they can. Email them after class if you run into any problems with an assignment or have any questions.