Whether you move across the country or just to the next town over, college is a whole new ballgame. Freshman year is full of discovering the world and discovering yourself, and sometimes it can be hard to navigate. Classes, new friends, new experiences and extracurricular activities can leave your head spinning, unsure of what path is the right path for you. That being said, here are five important pieces of advice for you to keep in mind as you tackle your first year of college:

1. It's Okay To Be Homesick, Or Not

Moving into the dorms is quite the experience. Though you are most likely 18, you are probably far from feeling independent. This could leave you feeling a bit behind in the "adulting" department, but I can guarantee to you that the majority of people you meet in college feel the exact same way, so don't let someone's overwhelming self-confidence deter you or make you feel inadequate. Furthermore, it is okay to be homesick. If you want to and are able to, don't feel bad about going home every single weekend. It is a big adjustment time. I'm heading into my junior year of college, and I probably call my mom at least three times a day and go home at least once a week. Don't forget, if you are missing your parents, they are probably missing you even more. And if you aren't homesick right away or even at all, that is okay, too. I think I only went home maybe two or three times the first two months of college because I had places to be, people to see and new things to try and experience. Everyone is different, so respect not only your personal feelings, but also the feelings of everyone around you.

2. You Are Capable Of More Than You Give Yourself Credit For

Not to freak you out, but you will feel completely overwhelmed several times during your college career, not just freshman year. As fun as college is, you will work harder than you thought possible. Luckily, you are capable of far more than you think. You can't believe how much you are going to read, the incredible papers you are going to write and all the tests you are going to ace. Yes, you may feel like you are going to drown in a pile of books and papers, but you'll make your way out and succeed. Believe in yourself, and you'll be surprised. Whatever you do, don't give up. When you feel like you can't even type one more word, keep typing. You know you're smart, because you made it this far. Also, most professors really do have your best interests at heart. Don't be afraid to talk to them and ask for help, because that's why they are there. Office hours exist for a reason; use them. College will push you to your limits, and that's when you learn just how strong you truly are.

3. That Being Said, Don't Over Extend Yourself

This may seem like a direct contradiction to what I just said, and maybe in some ways it is, but please remember that even though college is supposed to push you to your limits, it is not supposed to break you. Everybody has limits, and only you can know exactly what yours are. There may be a point where you have to miss that basketball game, even though you told your friends you'd be there. You might have to put the book down and not finish that reading, otherwise you'll get no sleep and make yourself sick. You might get a B or even a C on an exam, but trust me, the world will not end. If you start the semester and realize you bit off more than you can chew, it's okay to drop a class, and it's okay to change your mind and decide something just isn't for you. Don't use these examples as excuses to give up something just because you don't want to do it when you know you can, but if something is truly too much for you to handle, that is okay. I dropped a class my fall semester of freshman year, because I knew that the amount of reading involved would overextend me and cause me to not perform as well in my other classes, which I cared about more. I can tell you first hand that I am in no way a failure, and I in no way regret my decision, nor did it affect my college experience in the long run. So, don't feel bad about taking a step back when necessary.

4. College Is For Trying New Things

You've never been to a lacrosse game before? You think you might like joining a sorority? Student government looks cool? What's that Odyssey writing thing all about, anyway? Go for it. College is about branching out and expanding your horizons. You may end up loving something you thought you'd never even enjoy. Don't hold yourself back, because otherwise you may just prove to be your own worst enemy. College offers you a free pass to do basically anything you want (within reason), so don't let it go to waste. Go to games, go to concerts and shows and plays on campus, go to fundraisers and rallies. Just go. Plus, you don't have to drink at a party to have fun. Get a group of good, trustworthy friends together, and try it out. I did, and I had a blast. Meet people and talk to people. College communities are often very diverse, and just because someone is different that you doesn't mean that you can't end up being the best of friends. If you don't live life to the fullest in college, then maybe you never will. You will only regret the chances you didn't take.

5. So Don't Be Afraid Of Making Mistakes

Though it sounds scary, college is the time for mistakes. It's better to make them now, when you have family and friends to fall back on. Trust me, no matter how hard you try to avoid it, you will make mistakes. It's just a part of life. I made more mistakes my freshman year of college than in the rest of my life combined, but that's okay. I learned a lot and turned out just fine. It's hard to suddenly be on your own, with no one around 24/7 to tell you what to do and guide you. However, you will be okay. That boy may be bad for you, but you probably won't believe it until you experience it for yourself. You should really study art because you know that's what you want, but you'll take those bio classes a bit longer because you know that's what you think your family wants. You should not have taken that many shots, but now you know your limits as your best friend holds your hair for you. These things can happen to anyone, so don't feel bad. It's part of growing up. Please don't take unnecessary risks and be unsafe and stupid, but let yourself start to grow up, and don't be scared of messing up. No one is perfect.

So, good luck! You have no idea how amazing the next four years of your life are going to be.