Whether you are an incoming freshman or returning to college for the fourth time, each fall semester brings about a season of transition. You must readjust to the life of a student and assume the responsibilities that come with classes, meetings, and other obligations.

I mainly want to speak to the incoming freshmen for this fall. Here are some things to keep in mind as you are leaving home for the first time.

1. Hug your family.

Tell them how much you love them. Freedom is sweet, but you will miss them. Trust me.

2. Exercise

You will feel so much better when you move around. Plus, you won’t be winded on the first day of class as you’re running around to different buildings all morning.

3. Study.

If you got through high school without studying and you think you can do the same thing in college, you are in for a rude awakening. I speak from experience.

4. Eat healthy.

It’s one of many ways to avoid the dreaded freshman fifteen. When done along with exercising, you will maintain a healthy weight and just feel better about yourself.

5. Have an open mind.

College is your chance to break away from the ideas and concepts you’ve grown up with. I’m not saying throw everything you know out the window, just be open to new ideas and the opinions of the people you will meet. You just might learn something, or solidify your beliefs and make them your own.

6. Keep your faith strong

Finding a group of people who share similar beliefs with you, will help you to maintain your faith. Jesus called all of us to be in community with each other. Whether you start going to a Bible study, worship night, or on Sunday mornings, it is important to find a place to plug in.

7. Get involved.

I can tell you from personal experience that getting involved will make or break your college experience. In high school, I was a member of just about every club. Not much changed when I came to college. The best part about getting involved, though, is the people you will meet.

8. Take a break.

Yes, it is okay to take a break. Academics do come first because you came to college to get your degree and become a productive citizen. Taking a break to grab some coffee or make a Sonic run with your squad is not a bad thing.

Now, upperclassmen, it's your turn.

1. Keep things in perspective.

You don’t have to have everything figured out. It is okay to change your major, even if it is for the ninth time in the past two years. This is your time to figure who you want to be and what it will take to get you there.

2. Focus.

Don’t let your study habits start slacking. Be diligent in your studies and maintain a balanced social schedule too.

3. Be a mentor.

As an upperclassman, this is your chance to be a role model for your peers. Pick a freshman to mentor. Help them with any questions they may have an assure them in their times of fear or uncertainty about college. You may never realize the impact that your time with them will have.

4. Ask for help.

As graduation approaches, you’re going to realize that you can’t take on the real world on your own. Ask your advisor or professors for help. They can equip you with the knowledge you need and connect you to resources you may not even know about.

5. Take on a leadership position.

Maybe you’ve been a part of an awesome club or organization but you’ve never taken a leap of faith to run for president or chaplain or any other leadership position. Make this your year and go after it with all you’ve got.

6. Visit home.

Freshman year was your time to never go home. Once you become an upperclassman it can be easy to stay at school and not visit home as much as you should. If you’re unable to travel home, just make a quick phone call. I guarantee your family and friends want to hear from you.

7. Spend time with the important people in life.

These four years (for some, they take a little longer) are some of the best of your life. Don’t waste them. Take this time to make memories that you can laugh about for the rest of time. Go to football games, join that club you’ve always wanted to be a part of. Tell the guy that you’re in love with how you really feel. In just a few short years you’ll have to say goodbye to these people and start your life in the real world. Make the most of it.

Each school year is a fresh start. Don’t let past mistakes make you miss out on something you’ve always wanted to do. Chances are these four years are going to be the best of your life.