The next chapter of your life is beginning. You moved away from your family and friends. Your comfort. You are in a new place. There is a whole new person about to grow and blossom. Here are some advice from someone who was once in your shoes.

1.) Study and Go To Class

As simple as it may be, you are in college to get a degree in the major you have chosen and becomea professional in it. The only way to graduate is have a good GPA. Keep up with your studies because it is really hard to bring it back up, personally experience there. Form a study habit to you and build a study group because you just might find some of your best friends that way. Going to class is very important because some professors give extra credit just for showing up which is always good. You paid for the class so why not go to it and not waste the money.

2.) Get Out Of Your Room

We all know what it feels like to go somewhere new and not know anyone and feeling alone. Getting out of your dorm room is the best way to meet new people and to get to know the campus. Go to all the events that your resident hall puts on, free events on and around campus.

3.)Join Organizations and Clubs

This way is to find things to get plugged into that are what you want to be a part of and help mold you into a better version of yourself. It is also a great way to find like-minded people. It looks good on your resume and shows that you are a well-rounded person.

4.) Remember To Do Your Laundry

Yes, I mean this one. From an upperclassman, when classes are in full force and are involved in organizations you can forget to have clean clothes until you run out and have to do five loads before class. You don’t want to be that person who is up to 3am doing laundry.

5.) When Homesick, Call Mom or Dad

This will happen at some point during your first semester. The best cure is to talk it out with your parents because they are going through the same thing and remember when they went off to college years ago. It’s okay to let them know how you are feeling and doing.

6.) Schedule Yourself a “Me Day”

This is very important to keep you healthy mentally and physically. It’s a day to unplug from the world and focus on your wellbeing. Doing this makes life a little bit less stressful ending with a healthier you.

7.) Get a Planner

Your collegiate lifesaver. Keeps your life in order and know when everything is due, tests, appointments, and meetings. Don’t procrastinate all it does is cause more stress and ending with grades you don’t want to have.

8.) Budget

With all the new freedom, money is now important to keep up with and what you are spending on. Budget yourself and keep track of what is your account. You don’t want to ask your parents for extra money because you ran out or they call you and yell for spending five hundred dollars in one month.

9.) #AdultingisHard

There are sayings “Adulting Sucks” and “I Hate Adulting” but we all have to do it. Now, you are legally an adult so responsibility is now on your shoulders. It’s time to start taking ownership of things in your life. If you get in trouble or something goes wrong, own up to it. It is all on you.

10.) Build Relationships with Your Professors and Advisors

Professors and Advisors are more people that in your corner and want to see your success. Go to their offices. You never know when you will happen need them.

11.) Learn How to Live with Your Roommate

You are living with this person from August/September to May. Learn how to co-exist with them. You might not become best friends but talk about respecting each other’s space and time. If a problem comes up, talk it out. Communication is key when living with other people.

12.) Welcome the Change

You will change during your time in college. Welcome it. Embrace it. You are becoming a better version of yourself during this time. You will face trials and hardships but also have triumphs. Everything is changing but remember that you have people in your corner.

College is a great time to learn and grow. From an upperclassman to you, we all have been there and know what you are feeling and going through. Don’t stress the small stuff. There is so many things to do while at your campus. Find a better you.