Having a younger sibling that is about to start their college journey can make you feel really old. There are so many times I look at my younger sibling and think there's no way you're going to college because I feel like I just started my first year...like yesterday. There are a bunch of things I wish I knew before going off to an unknown territory with thousands of people I wasn't familiar with. Now that I have a few years under my belt (surprised I made it this far) I have a few words of wisdom before you head off to make some mistakes of your own.

1. You don't need as much clothing as you think you do.

Please do yourself a favor by leaving all of those shirts that you kinda like but haven't really worn in a while at home. You won't need them. You'll end up wearing the same 12 outfits that you've been wearing for months now. Plus, you don't have enough space for all those items that you might wear out once...if you're lucky.

2. Don't freak out over whether or not you and your roommate will be best friends.

Everyone thinks that if they aren't best friends with their roommate then all hell will break loose and their entire college career will be ruined. Your world won't end if you and your roommate have different friend groups or you aren't as buddy buddy as you expected. Picking a roommate over Facebook isn't always a sure thing and doesn't guarantee that they'll be exactly like they explained to you via text. College can change people, for better or for worse, and that includes your roommate.

3. YOU WILL MAKE FRIENDS, I PROMISE.

Everyone is in the same boat as you and trying to find a group of people they can call their new best friends. You're all coming into this scared, nervous and wondering if they'll fit in. All I can say is just be yourself, don't try too hard or force any friendships and it will all work out. You'll find some great people, I know it.

4. Keep track of your $$ mula $$

I'm not going to tell you that you can't splurge on some shoes that you desperately need or to never eat out but you are now a broke college student. This life sucks and you need to make sure you have money for those books or other unnecessary things your school makes you buy.

5. Exercise!

Not to completely scare you but, freshman 20 is a real thing. The food at school can do some horrible things to your appetite and eating habits. So make sure to schedule a little extra time to hit the gym, trust me it will make you feel so much better. But if you want to eat a bowl of Oreos with peanut butter for breakfast one it won’t kill you.

6. Actually use your library.

You'll be surprised how much more you can get done in the library than in your dorm room. However, the walk there might make it less appealing but your grades will make it all worth it. Using the library earlier on in the semester makes it a lot easier to find places to do work come finals week when the entire school decides to check out the library for the first time to study.

7. Don't be that person at a party that can't handle themselves.

I know you're going to drink, let's be real, everyone does it. If you do decide to drink, just be careful and make sure you don't exceed your limits because no one likes a sloppy drunk. Learn from those night that you had too much for the next time you go out. It is so important to know what you can and cannot handle. Stick to those limits you find!

8. You are worth so much and don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

Dating in college can be very difficult and at times we can settle for someone that we know isn't good for us. I will tell you to love yourself first because this is the most important piece of relationship advice I can give to you. Love yourself without fear of what others will think and be proud of who you are. Don't ever try to change yourself for someone else because you are perfectly great the way you are now. Some relationships will be better than others but learn from the good and the bad so the next one is even better.

9. Get involved in something.

I don't care if you join the star gazing club or the mountain climbing club or whatever it is but just get involved in one, if not more things. You will get exposed to so many more people than you would just being there at school. Your college experience will be that much more exciting and rewarding when you have a club or group to be apart of.

10. Call your family at least once a week.

Your conversations don't have to last hours and you don't need to spill every detail of your life at school but your family will miss you and want to hear from you. Don't forget about your grandparents because they will want to talk to you but will be afraid of bother you and won't call. Your new life at school is just as exciting for your family and they just want to make sure you are doing alright.

11. Take naps.

I am such a huge fan of naps now. Even if they are 30 minutes in between classes or for 2 hours after you're done with classes for they day, take one. They will help you rejuvenate and get some needed energy to finish the day. Yeah you might feel like a 4 yr. old taking naps every day but they are essential to fit into your schedule.

12. I am always one text or phone call away.

I've been where you are and it can be a scary place to be. There is so much unknown ahead of you and if you ever need anything you know where to find me. I've managed to make it this far through my college career and have so many more things to share with you and I'm always open to your questions when you're lost on what to do.