Both my elementary and high schools had mixed classes, meaning a lot of my peers were either a grade above or below me. My two best friends growing up were a grade level below me, and I can not wait to hear about their college experiences. While I am a little (extremely) sad to see them go off and have their own adventures, I could not be more proud of them. I have decided to put a little list of 10 things together for all my friends who are about to move onto campus.

1. Orientation is awful, but sort of important.

Most colleges will tell you that your freshman orientation is mandatory. Each college will differ in the severity of punishment if you don't show, but I found most of it was pretty easy to avoid. Colleges will also tell you that orientation is a great way to meet new people and make life long friends. Most often, this is a lie. You will have plenty of time to meet new students once you start classes, where you actually have time to find out if you have anything in common. Most of orientation will be awkward ice-breakers that are usually easily avoidable. The part of orientation you should go to is registration info, learning about your student account and other sections that pertain to information about the school facilities. Unless you're a masochist, skip the painfully awkward social stuff. You'll make friends eventually.

2.Get to know a professor or two really well.

If you are planning on doing an internship or applying for a TA/tutoring position, it's very helpful to have someone on hand who can write a recommendation for you. Getting to know your professors can open a lot of doors for you. A small conversation over lunch can go a long way. Try to buddy up with a prof in the department you want to major in because they will be more likely to turn to the students they like for TA and research positions. It also helps to be close to a prof that teaches a more difficult subject, which shows you are a dedicated students even through the harder subjects. Since most all professors you meet have a PhD or two, it doesn't hurt to have someone to talk you through the higher education process.

3. If you live in a dorm, take only what you need.

For those of you moving onto campus, only taking the essentials is vitally important since chances are you will only have half of a small room. When you pack, it may seem like a fun idea to have all your books, DVD's and decor until you realize you have room for about 1/3 of your stuff. I learned the hard way that taking all my books (none of which I actually read during the year) and all my movies (which I didn't have time to watch anyways) was not the best idea. The best things to keep in mind when packing for college are: Do I absolutely need it? Will it fit? Whatever I bring with me I have to repack at the end of the year.

4. The first time you drink should not be at a college party.

If you are like most college students, you will be exposed to drinking and probably do it at least once while you're there. Depending on your weight, a little booze is not going make you black out. However, if you plan on drinking more than a little in college, or even have the slightest idea that you will, the first time you get drunk should not be with strangers you do not know. Before you leave for college, you should find a trusted older peer that will not judge you and will look after you, so that you can learn how much you can handle and how you act when you are drunk. That way, when you go to your first college party you will at least have an idea of what to expect from yourself and what is just too much for you to handle. All that said, if you decide (or already know) that drinking is just not your thing, know that I have never met someone in college who bullied others for not drinking. Most college kids are fairly accepting of whatever decision you make. And if you're ever caught in a situation that makes you uncomfortable don't be afraid to just step away or even go home.

5. When you schedule your classes, leave time for lunch.

This may seem obvious but I learned this one the hard way my first semester. All through high school, your lunch was usually scheduled for you along with the rest of your classes. In college you have total freedom to set your own schedule. Myadvice to you is try to leave an hour or so during the day to get a snack and relax a bit before your next class, especially if you have a tougher load. This will also give you some time to finish that homework assignment you forgot about until the day of.

6. Take advantage of the gym.

Most colleges have work out facilities, so I strongly suggest you create a workout plan and stick to it. Unless you really love the gym or are an athlete, this is not easy to do but totally worth it. It's easy to gain weight when your mom is no longer cooking for you.

7. When you go out, go in groups.

Regardless of gender, everyone should travel in a group. Depending on what city you are in, things can get pretty dangerous, especially if you are new to the city. It's always good to have a buddy (or three) because there is definitely strength in numbers. If you are planning on drinking at a party or bar there should always be one or two people in the group more sober than the rest to make sure things don't get out of hand. If you have a designated driver, that person should be absolutely 100% sober. If they are not, call a cab. It's worth the extra money to make sure you don't get pulled over or get in an accident.

8. Don't be afraid to miss your family/home.

If you're anything like me you're probably too stubborn to admit (at least to their faces) how much you miss your family. Being the big cry baby that I am, I was pretty sad the first couple of hours after my parents left. Even though they were only 45 mins away, it was still hard coming to terms with idea that I would not be going home that evening to sleep in my childhood bed. Throughout the year I loved being able to call my mom and dad whenever I had exciting news or a frustrating day. No matter how independent you are, missing home is almost guaranteed. Don't be afraid to pick up the phone and call home. It means more to your parents than you probably realize.

9. Don't be afraid to ask for space.

No matter how close your family is college is a great way to branch out and start your own life. If your parents are calling you and texting too much, tell them. Don't be afraid to ask for a little time apart. Parents have a hard time letting go, so reassure them that you will call but you need to do that on your own time.

10. If you need help, ask for it.

When you move to college you are all on your own, but only if you choose to be. You will be surrounded by people who have experience in whatever questions you may have and there will be people who are even more lost than you. If you are unsure or scared about something, reach out and find friends who are willing to learn with you. Professors are great resource in and out of classrooms. Most upperclassmen will be happy to lend a hand since they remember what it was like to be new to college, too. It's OK to have tutor if you are falling behind. Some classes are a lot more advanced than what you have taken before. Don't be afraid to reach out to your school's tutoring center. It's better to ask for help than fail the class. It won't be handed to you, but there is always help if you ask.

Now that you have graduated from high school the easiest part of your life is over. Starting college is mix of emotions, changes, "hellos" and "goodbyes." I remember how hard my last day of high school and graduation were and how excited I was to move onto campus. I hope everyone has a safe and exciting first year.