As July comes to a close, we have only a month until college starts up. I have many friends that will be incoming first-years in college and because I had a successful first year of college, I thought I would give y'all a few words of advice in hopes that you also have a successful first year.

First and foremost, remember that college is a chance for you to have a brand new start to your life.

That means making new friends, budgeting your own money and freedom from your parents! In college, if something interests you, then do it because the first year is all about experiencing and trying new things so you can find out what you like and what you don't like. For me, I joined the jazz choir even though I didn't have experience with jazz and in the end, I fell in love. Never be afraid to try something new.

On the other hand, don't get lost trying to find your passions. Remember your core values and morals.

In the end, that is what will ground you and keep you on track. In my first-year experience, I found it difficult being a devoted Christian in a very liberal college because most of my friends were either Atheist or Agnostic and couldn't relate to my religious side. In order to ground myself, I started attending church once in a while and read the Bible as much as I could.

Remember that not everyone has to like you.

Go ahead and meet new people and make friends, but always keep in mind that some people just won't click with you and that is totally OK. It's good to be nice to people, but don't find yourself going out of your way to make someone like you because it's a waste of your precious time. In college, time is everything so don't waste it on irrelevant people.

Always put yourself and your personal health first.

If you haven't heard already, then college classes are harder than high school so that means more studying and pulling all-nighters. But you should always put your mental and physical health first before going ham on an essay or studying for a final. I learned that in order to be a successful student, you must learn time management and self care.

One of the biggest lessons I learned was the importance of saving money.

Sure, you want to go out to eat or to the movies with your friends on the weekends, but that doesn't need to happen every weekend. Learning to budget your money and cutting back on spending is really helpful, especially if you're not filthy rich.

Lastly, remember why you're enrolled in college...

...to get a degree that will help you acquire your desired career. Keep yourself in check and make sure you're not 100 percent focused on partying and having social life. In the end, who will pay for the repercussions? You and only you. College tuition and books are way too expensive for you to waste it on partying and missing class. So, yes, have fun and play hard, but that means you must work hard, too. Balance in college is so important so find strategies to balance your social and academic life.

I hope this helps you incoming first-years. Good luck!

Love,

Adyiam "The Excited Sophomore" Kimbrough