The day you never thought would come is finally here! You are now on your own and will soon realize self-control and time management is huge. While college can be fun and the time of your life, try to remember it is a learning experience where school needs to come first. Here are some things to keep in mind that I had to learn the hard way so that you do not have to experience the same.

First of all, go to class. This is the best advice I can give someone. Missing one class can set you back more than you can imagine. Most of the time when a professor lectures, the majority of what he/she says will be on the exam, not the material in the book. Also, go to office hours and talk to your professors if you need help or do not understand something. They are getting paid to help you so use them as much as you need!

Second, when something is due do not procrastinate. You are given a syllabus on the first day of class that tells you when things are due. So if you have an eight-page paper due at the end of the semester, do not wait until four days before it is due. Plus, getting homework and other assignments done ahead of time will make you feel so much better and a huge weight will be lifted off of your shoulders.

Third, get some sleep. It is as simple as that, if you do not get sleep, you are more likely not to attend class. You do not have your parents yelling at you to go to bed anymore so take some responsibility to get a good night of rest. Especially the night before an exam.

Fourth, manage your money. Some people will get a job the second they get to school, while some saved money before getting to school. You no longer have your parents buying your groceries, paying for dinner when you want to go out with friends and many other expenses that come from living away from home. Separate what you want from what you actually need. Learning that freshman year was one of my biggest struggles.

Fifth, join different organizations but do not overwhelm yourself because once again you are there to obtain a degree. Many organizations require a certain GPA and study hours. Joining an organization whether it is Greek, student government, or just a club will help you make friends! Maybe join something your freshman year, and then something else the year after.

Lastly, do not forget to have fun. Yes, you are there for school, but have fun! It is about school, but this is the place where you will find your forever friends! Make the most of it, it will go by in a blink of an eye. Although I am only a junior I look back and am trying to imagine where my first two years of my college experience has gone! There are always events going on around campus, attend them with your friends! Especially during homecoming week! There are so many traditions to want to be a part of and that what makes your college experience the best one yet!