You're moving in, you've kissed your family goodbye, you've set up your room. Now what? If this is your first year in college, you are feeling a smorgasbord of emotions right now. This is likely your first experience of living on your own. Let me be the first to say "Welcome to College!" While this may be some of the best years of your life, it is certainly no walk in the park. You are going to meet your absolute limits and possibly have a rude awakening or two.
1. Take advantages of "freebies"
Colleges love to hand out free things. Whether it be t-shirts, condoms, toothbrushes or even better: free, non-dining hall food. Take advantage of giveaways and contests! Most schools have incentives during finals week such as a snack bar to keep you going as well as coffee. Let me be the first to tell you, you are insane if you don't utilize these gifts.
2. Party Safely
We've all seen it in movies. The frat house throws a killer party while alcohol in abundance, games galore and a happy ending for most. However, remember that if you do drink at a party, know your limits. Nobody wants to take care of your drunk butt while you are passed out. That being said, know when to get help for somebody or when to cut them off. If you happen to find somebody passed out and unresponsive, move them to the position shown below and call 911. Most areas have a "good Samaritan law" saying that nobody will get in trouble for this possibly life saving call. Better to be safe then sorry.
Don't drink your body weight in alcohol. I promise that you will regret it the next day. Watch your drink and if you suspect it has been tampered with, throw it out. Watch out for others too.
3. GO TO CLASS
I know you woke up at 6:30 to get ready for school LAST year. You may have scheduled an 8 am class because that's what you did in high school. I hate to be the one to tell you but by week 3, you are going to hate yourself for it. Nothing is worse than having to wake up at 8 am for a class that you will never use in real life. However, you need to go to class. Your 3.75 GPA from high school is going to plummet like the Tower of Terror ride at Disney World when you stop showing up. Also, if you don't do the homework, you will fail the class.
4. Don't be afraid to GO GREEK!
To the incoming freshman, Greek life may look like the most terrifying experience ever. Don't believe what you see in movies though. Most universities and even states have strict, Zero- Tolerance hazing laws in place to protect pledging members. I highly encourage you to "rush" the fraternities and sororities. Find a group that suits you. It is a fantastic way to make lifelong friends! (Shout out to all my Phi Mu Alpha brothers!) You get paired with a "big" ( short for big brother or sister) who helps you through your life and can become on of your closest friends! However, there is usually some big reveal before you meet your big; and that entire week everyone is going to tell you "I know who your big is!"
5. Go do things!
Don't just be a hermit in your dorm all semester. Get out on that quad and do things! Join a club, participate in an event, watch a seminar, go Greek, play in the band, go to the games, something! You cannot get the full "college experience" by either staying huddled in your dorm or by just partying all the time.
Most schools host a hoard of activities known as "Welcome Week(end)." Granted some of these are very corny icebreaker games; however, it is a great way to meet people and have fun that first week away from home. 
6. Learn how to study
You were probably able to breeze through high school without studying extensively. That's all going to change. You are going to have to study at some point. Let me be the first to say that pulling an all-nighter is a bad idea. Take advantage of professors office hours for extreme help. Most schools have some sort of study center or tutoring services available. Check out this list of study tips so you can pass your finals!
http://www.testtakingtips.com/study/
7. Get to know your professors
While nobody wants to be a teacher's pet, a good rapport with your professors and instructors is a great thing. Visit them during office hours when you have trouble in their class. They aren't robots like some of your high school teachers. I know at the school I attend, the history professors love when you go in just to talk about history or life in general. They are some of the most interesting people you will ever meet and they would love to help you succeed.
8. Beware of the Freshman 15
You've heard the rumors about gaining 15 lbs your first year of college. While it may not be 15 lbs exactly, it is a grim reality. With so many food options readily available on or near campus, you will have to work to stay fit and healthy, Try taking use of the salad bars and gym access on campus. Your body will thank you.
9. Don't be afraid to seek help
Many students are struggling with anxiety, depression or PTSD every day. Most colleges have free counseling service available for students. Everything is kept confidential and it can really help! The counselors are trained to help you and set you in the right direction. Do not be afraid to approach them or send a friend their way; even for something as "simple" as stress.
10. Be Responsible
You are an adult now. It's time to act like one. Nobody is going to come knocking at your door and wake you up for class, most professors do not accept late work if you don't have a documented excuse, and nobody is going to force you to shower. You are in charge of yourself. Don't live like a slob unless you want your roommate to hate you. You are paying thousands of dollars to be here, don't ruin it.
