Some advice to freshmen from an upperclassman: relax and take it easy. This is your first year and there is so much to enjoy. Don’t let the different feelings you may experience because it is your first time away from home make you question why you are where you are. Some tips for making this new experience go smoothly are:

1. Get to know your roommate.

This may be the first time you have been away from home, and your college roommate is usually the first person other than family that you live with. Try to remember all the rules from home that work when you build this relationship, and know that the most important quality you can bring is patience.

2. Make a point of meeting the people who live in the dorm rooms closest to yours.

Other than your roommate, you will most likely see these people the most. Building a good contingent of friends close by helps to fight any feelings of being homesick that might pop up from time to time.

3. Join a club.

Find out about all the clubs offered on campus, and try something new that you have had an interest in; “new year, new you”. Or you may have always participated in a club activity at home that coincides with what’s offered at college. Like-minded people make for easy conversation.

4. Go to the Library.

Get familiar with the services and people there, and make a goal of spending an hour a day at the library. You can focus without interruption and you will whip through your homework faster if you are in a quiet place. And your GPA will benefit too.

5. Get exercising.

Depending on where your classes are you may get some exercise just walking between buildings, but if you want to really keep that “Freshman 15” at bay then go workout. Check out the fitness room and the list of open times or special classes offered.

Making your Freshman year great is up to you. You have the power to create friendships that will last your entire life, starting this semester. That person you used to tell yourself in high school that you wish you could be? Guess what? It’s time to build that part of you.