Congrats! You're hitting a major milestone in life! You finally graduated high school and are moving up into the world with going to college. It's a big deal! I'm sure you as excited as can be or even nervous, but I am here to help. College will no doubt be the best four years of your life. Never forget that— especially when the going gets tough.

It is going to be a major adjustment and will take a while to get used to. Some people will adjust faster than others, and that's OK. There's no pressure to do anything or feel any type of way while you're away from everything you know. It is probably one of the biggest changes we will experience in our lives, so it's not gonna be easy. It's OK to miss your family and home friends. I cried for two weeks because I didn't think I could do it and almost transferred even. But give it a chance.

I decided to give it to the second semester to see if I actually didn't like it or I was still adjusting. Turns out, I was still just getting some used to and fell in love with my school. Now, you'll have to drag me out of there. I could not even imagine going to another school let alone dropping out of college. Try to stay optimistic, talk to your family and friends because obviously they miss you too and the connection will help you adjust better. Just remember, it takes time and there are so many ways to help the process go easier.

Everyone and their mother says this, but get involved. I only knew three people when I went to school, including my roommate who I had just met on Facebook so I actually didn't even really know her either. This obviously stressed me out as I go to a school with 40,000 other students. I decided to get involved in clubs for my major, Odyssey, sports clubs, anything that would help me meet other people. Second semester, I joined a sorority, and that is where I met my now closest friends.

Before joining a sorority or the clubs, I hated school and felt so alone. Nothing was enjoyable and I was flat out scared to be experiencing this alone. I latched on to people I knew which was even harder when they started to meet new people and hang with them more. Everything was so much better when I put myself out there and met so many people I can now call my best friends and go to the library with, hang out with, or go out with. They have changed my experience for the better and I am so grateful.

Still struggling to meet new people? Introduce yourself to people on your floor. It sounds cheesy and weird, but that's how I met another one of my best friends, and we are now going on our third year of living at the same place —so we clearly did something right. Trust me, it's not weird. You're all in the same situation of being thrown in a new place to experience for yourself. You may not stay friends with them, but it is still good to familiarize yourself with them and have someone to do stuff with until you find your true best friends--if they aren't already your best friend.

It's also good to have other people to hang with on the floor in the slight chance your roommate situation isn't the best. That's OK if it's not! You don't have to be bffs with them. If you can live together well, then that's all that matters when you have other friends. Don't overthink or get worked up about it, it's not the end of the world. You meet so many other people it won't even matter to you eventually.

Balance your time wisely. We're in college now so, obviously, everyone is wanting to go and party which is totally OK, but you still need to prioritize your schoolwork. I have passed on numerous nights out to study or do papers, and I am still having the time of my life and everyone still wants to be my friend. You don't have to impress anybody by going out all the time. Do what you gotta do, but also have fun.

It is going to be a struggle at first, but it's the start of a new chapter and some of your best memories. Don't get frustrated when things aren't going as you planned. Go with the flow and enjoy your first year. Every other student is envying you right now because they're about to graduate or are just older and they would do anything to be in your shoes starting their first year at college again. Believe me when I say freshman year is the best. You can do this and get excited!