1. Pack wisely.

Just because you're leaving home for 9 months, it doesn't mean you should pack a U-Haul truck.

There are some things you should pack. Some things you shouldn't pack.

I went wrong with overstocking my dorm with food, toiletries, and clothes I barely used in its entirety. Say if you're one of those students that would buy personal rolls of toilet paper, about 20 rolls. Truth be told, when you're a freshman and on the run, there's no way you'll use toilet paper of your own.

Besides, it's easier to pack a fair amount of clothes for every season and other necessities (a fan, containers, etc.) and plan on buying more items while in school. It's just ridiculous moving those things to a small dorm, only to bring them back home on move-out day.

2. Don't outcast yourself.

First day in, you're overwhelmed and perhaps a bit lost with the environment, but as long as you find people to interact with, you won't feel as unattached. For the first few days, there are plenty of activities to take on to feel more at home.

3. ...But don't feel too at home TOO fast.

A few students get quickly influenced in college. A little too comfortable. Don't be one of those freshmen that get caught up in the partying and ways of freedom. Consider that your education is important to manage your fall and spring semester.

Coming from me, I took my freedom for granted freshman year. I realized that, well, college is totally different from high school. You can make your own schedule. Hell, you can even decide on whether you want to skip classes or not. Do not do that, by the way. But you'll also realize that at Penn State, you have so much free time in the day.

Instead of going to parties every weekend or binge watching episodes of "The Office" on Netflix, remember your responsibilities and limit your distractions.

Because, trust me, those distractions can make you regret your academic performance.

Spring semester, I literally got a D in CMLIT for irresponsibly missing a class the day my group presentation was due. Brought my 2.8 in the fall to a 2.2 GPA in the Spring and nearly lost my scholarships.

4. Be open-minded.

Realize that Penn State is diverse as hell. You'll be living with people who are different from you, whether in ethnicity, religion, and sex. The brightside is that you can make a very close friend with someone you wouldn't expect to.

I, for instance, had an advantage. I'm currently in a scholarship program that brings a set of multicultural students from different areas. The Bunton-Waller, Lenfest and Maguire scholarship required us all to live in Ritner, a residence in Pollock Halls. We were so tight-knit and everyone knew of each other.

It allowed me to gain new friends in my own hall, along with others outside my hall.

5. The dorm bathrooms are gross. Don't make them worse.

A downside to living in a traditional college dorm, which most freshmen live in like East and Pollock, is sharing a bathroom with your floormates.

Typically, you'll have personal bathroom stalls and shower stalls, but in all honesty, it's like prison. Be sure to bring a custom pair of shower shoes.

All in all, the bathrooms are gross. I've had my nights of witnessing dirty toilets, feces in the shower stalls, and vomit in the sink. I've been annoyed with people leaving their underwear in the stalls. I've noticed the one kid that left the bathroom without washing his hands.

Don't be one of those guys. Be considerate, and also, just be clean. If you don't abuse your family's house that way, don't do it in school. Freedom, my butt. That's just disgusting.

6. Don't waste your meal points.

Coming from someone who spent all of his points freshman year within 2 months before winter break, don't be like me.

Losing your meal points is basically overdrafting your credit card. I mean, yes, you have plenty of food options from Pollock Commons to West Wing. But, it's called a Campus Meal Plan for a reason. You have to plan out your meals wisely.

The one thing to hate about using your meal points is that most stores offer a 65% discount, a 10% discount or no discount at all. Be aware of that. It's better to eat at a dining hall that takes 65% off every meal.

One important thing to know: whatever you do, do not use your meal points at Hub Dining. It's a good food court with Starbucks, Burger King and Chick-Fil-A, but they do not offer discounts. In fact, they charge you even more for food than a residential dining hall would.

Instead, use your money out-of-pocket if you'd like to go to those places. Or, just don't go there at all. It's a temptation worth avoiding.

7. Don't underestimate your resources.

If you need help, you need it.

I know I did. But, it took me until spring semester to realize it, and I was too late.

This isn't just for academics. It's for mental, physical, and emotional health as well. A lot of people drop out because they can't handle the responsibility of having interdependence. Students battle issues unknown to nearly 50,000 others. It's important to talk to someone if necessary because you may feel a lot better.

In terms of academics, you have your professors and advisers to talk to. If you're struggling with a test or a concept in class, obviously, you should talk to your professors or TAs, like you would in high school.

Some professors are scary as hell, but what's the better scenario? Avoiding your professor because he's intimidating only to fail a class? Or speaking to your professor from week to week and getting the grade you want?

Think about that.

8. Don't waste your money on textbooks.

Honestly, that's the worst thing you can do. But, unless your class requires you to (if it's a online-based class or whatever), don't do it.

If you decide to buy your textbooks, buy them from a student who is selling it for a cheaper price.

You could always rent used books if necessary. You can also take the easy route and buy them on Amazon, Chegg, or just go to your library.

When I was a sophomore in the spring, I chose to rent one book, and didn't buy any books for the rest of the classes. I used the library and shared notes with friends and did fairly well.

9. Study groups work, you know.

If a professor isn't helping you understand content, you should know that there are plenty other students who may understand it better than you. Don't hate on that. Use them as a guide.

Find as many people in your class and start a study group. They can help you more than notes.

Last semester, I made pretty good friends with 4 people in my Math 34 class and we did homeworks and practice exams together, and we all got the grade we wanted!

People won't come to you. You have to take initiative.

10. Honestly, just have fun.

College is definitely stressful at most points. But, it's normal. Not to mention, you only get four years of being an undergraduate student. Live it to the fullest. It's definitely the best experiences you'll ever have in your life.

Have as much fun as you can.

Party, but not too much.

Study, but don't hurt your brain.

Do anything you can to make your college experience worthwhile.

11. Be yourself.

Don't ever let anyone influence your behavior in college. You have the right to express yourself. In fact, college is where you find yourself. You'll probably change your major a few times, gain a few pounds, lose a few, lose friends and make new ones. It's everyday life.

But, at the end of the day, you have you! That's all that matters.

You know what you're there for: to get an education. Keep that in your head.

Be you. Be a proud Penn Stater.

(That sounds like a brochure slogan, but you know what I mean!)