I wanted to address all of the upcoming college freshman that are currently packing their bags and getting ready to leave their homes. It can be an emotional roller coaster for you as well as your family around this time of year. But hear me out; you will have the time of your life.

Leaving your home of 17 plus years (or however long you’ve lived in your home) can be one of the most stressful and exciting experiences in your entire life. But I must say, take advantage of “home” because you will miss it. I was so eager to move out of my parents’ household and to be my own person that I forgot how much harder this change would be on my parents. You are leaving your parents’ nest and won’t be filling the house with your voice, laughter, sadness or arguments anymore. Spend quality time with your parents (and siblings) before you fly away.

Once you have actually moved into your “home away from home," be sure to get cozy. You will be here for two consecutive semesters excluding the few breaks in between. Decorate and add some pizzazz to your dorm or apartment! There is nothing worse then coming home from a long day of classes and receiving a feeling of emptiness and dullness as soon as you walk through your dorm/apartment door. The more comfortable you are in your temporary home, the less stress and more relaxation you will be able to experience while at college.

It is also important that you widen your horizons and meet new people during your first year of college. One thing that I wish I had kept in mind before moving away from home is that not all “high school friends” are going to be your “college friends." People are constantly changing, growing and finding themselves when they move off to college; including yourself. It is good to face the fact early on that you will not benefit from everyone’s friendship and the ones you don’t benefit from are the types you should let go. If your high school friends aren’t making you a better version of yourself then don’t stress trying to keep the strings tied. You have left your hometown friends behind if they aren’t attending the same school as you, and it is time to make new ones.

Another thing I would like you to know is that college is not always easy. In order to succeed without going completely crazy, you must have balance. It is extremely important that you learn to equally divide your school, social and personal life. Go to all of your classes and I most definitely suggest doing all of your homework the day it is given. This method helps you to avoid procrastinating and will eventually save you from late nights at the library. Once you put in the hard work and make it a habit, you will have absolutely no trouble weaving your social life into the mix. Enjoying time with friends is just as important as keeping up with your studies; it will aid in keeping you sane. Enjoy all of the football games, parties and other late night activities college has to offer. But most of all, your overall health is important. College will take a toll on you if you aren’t getting enough sleep, nutrition or exercise. If you keep up with yourself and give your body the rest it needs, you’ll have more motivation to get stuff done.

I don’t want to be a spoiler about all things that you will experience in college; most of those things are for you to find out on your own. College will be here and gone with a blink of an eye. So, be the best person you can be, find who you really are, make new friends, learn something, and have fun! Going to college is nerve-wrecking, but just relax and realize that you are on track to becoming you.

Best of luck (upcoming) College Freshman!!