College is a very different environment and experience from high school. You don’t realize how different it is until you’re crying to your mom 10 minutes before a huge midterm because you’re so incredibly stressed and miss the comfort of her voice, hugs, and homemade food. My initial adjustment to college wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows, but there were a few things I did proactively to make my college onboarding experience positive.

1. Get involved as soon as possible.

I explored the countless organizations and activities on campus immediately. Within the first couple months, I joined three outstanding, and very different, organizations: Delta Sigma Pi, Kappa Kappa Gamma, and Enactus. Getting involved gives you the opportunity to connect with people with similar interests as you, grow professionally and personally, and help you find the best friends you’ve ever had. While getting involved right out of the gate kept me very busy, it also helped me begin improving my organization and time management skills.

2. Make friends with your hallmates. 

The first week or two of school leave your door open in the dorms. Even if your are shy or introverted, force yourself to get out and walk around. It is extremely easy to bump into new people and new conversations in a dorm environment. Remember, everyone on the floor is in the same boat you are. Another great way to meet people within your residence hall is by studying in the lounge or lobby.

3. Try new things.

Push yourself out of your comfort zone. College life offers you the opportunity to meet people with dramatically different upbringing, experiences, and points of view. There are organizations, activities, and events that can stretch your mind and perspective. Indulge. Meet new people, experience new things, and absorb different perspectives and points of view. You will have very few opportunities to immerse yourself in the same way during the rest of your life.

4. Call home every once in awhile.

I had a very bad case of homesickness that really didn’t hit me until my schedule started to slow down. A piece of advice for incoming freshmen who go through this—DO NOT go home every weekend!! Going home is awesome and so nice because its stress free and comfortable, however, there is a lot to be gained by spending weekends on campus. The weekends are the time to eat lunch with a new friend, catch up on homework or go to a study group, or just relax with an awesome group of people. I am extremely close with my family and miss them every day (love you mom, dad, and Buster). I call my mom everyday and text/call my little brother and father weekly, which never fails to brighten my day, especially when schedules get crazy and I’m missing home. With that said, some of my greatest college moments happen on the weekend.

5. Network and make as many connections as you can.

As I noted above, the diversity of experience and thought on a college campus is amazing. You may never have an opportunity to meet as many interesting and diverse people in one place again during your lifetime. Take advantage of it. Make it a personal goal to connect with as many people as you can. Whether it’s leaving your door open the first week of classes, joining greek life or other organized activities, or just simply visiting your professors during office hours, a proactive approach to meeting and interacting with people on campus will make your college experience very special. Keep in touch with the professors that really made an impact on you. I still talk to some of my professors from last semester and will continue to make those connections throughout the rest of my college journey and beyond.

6. Study hard.

This why we are here, right? It’s the bottom line. Grades are the key to staying in the game–and not just in college. They will have a huge impact on your life as you move forward. Good grades can pave the way to your dream career. Bad grades can create obstacles. Lots of them. College is a blast personally. It should be. Life tends to get pretty serious after. The key to having a blast and paving the way to a great career is to always keep your eye on the ball (good grades) and constantly strike the right balance in terms of how you use your time (study tonight or dance on the ceiling????). If you are struggling, DO NOT be afraid to reach out to a teacher or advisor. DO NOT be afraid to engage a tutor. Join study groups. Another place to ask for help is within the organizations and activities you get involved in. If students are of the same major, they have taken the same classes that you are enrolled in; ask for tips, study help, tutoring.

7. Don’t forget to have fun.

Although the transition from high school to college is never easy, people really do mean it when they say college is the “best four years of your life,” and it will fly by fast. Have fun. Have a blast, but don’t forget to learn, grow, and connect in the process!

Enjoy it!