September, also known as the going-back-to-school month. For some people this can be an exciting time of year, but for others it can be dreadful.

Whether you're about to start your second year, start your senior year, maybe even start your seventh year, or are just going into college for the first time, I have confidence that this list of tips will help you through your hectic college life and make it go a little smoother.

I should warn you to keep in mind that these tips come from personal experience with my background of college being five years total which was split between a community college and a normal four year college in my home state.

However, I've tried to make this list applicable to anyone at all who wants to try to make their college years a bit more manageable. Some of these tips I've personally used myself and some I write from looking back and wishing I had utilized them when I had the chance. Whether you choose to use all of these or even just one or two of them, I hope they can help you glide through college with ease. You're paying an awful lot of money to attend, so make it worth your while.

So without further ado, here are fifteen tips to help you get the most out of your college experience.

1. Keep a separate calendar just for homework assignments

I don't mean a student planner either (unless you're super busy and just want to carry that around all the time). I picked up a cheap calendar from the dollar store and hung it right over my desk and used that just for school related things. So when the teacher hands out the syllabus on the first day, make sure to immediately right down all the assignments and tests on that calendar. Now there's no guess work on when things are due or when to start studying for something major.

2. Keep your syllabus with you at all times

This kind of goes along with what I just mentioned, but if you don't have that calendar in front of you when you're on campus then it is super helpful to have your syllabus handy. Not just for assignments either, but the syllabus usually includes your teacher's email, their office hours, and their grading system. Keep the syllabus nice too, instead of crumpled at the bottom of your backpack. Put them in sheet protectors in a small binder labeled "Syllabi." Organization is key!

3. Get assignments done early

Again, this goes in line with the previous two points and may seem obvious, but seriously, try to complete assignments ahead of their due date. That doesn't mean one day before either. Try to at least start or look over the assignment details right after you get it. This gives you proper time to think about it and if something happens to go wrong you have time to fix it. Less stress too!

4. Study with a buddy

Along with studying early, you should try to find someone to study with that will actually help you and not distract you. Of course someone from the actual class you're studying for is super helpful, but sometimes you don't always know everyone in your class. Whoever you find though, make sure they are as serious as you are about helping you study. If you do befriend someone in your class, meet them around campus on your off time to go over things. Study here and there over the course of a week or two before the test, not all in one sitting the day before.

5. Make friends

This point is most likely inevitable but I thought I'd mention it because it's important. Don't be afraid to talk to people, especially within your major. Going through college alone isn't fun. Having someone beside you going through the same things makes it a bit more bearable.

6. Don't be late

Being a commuter made being on time for classes a bit difficult. You never knew what was going to make you late on any given day. It could be traffic, no parking spots available (this is a reason in itself to show up early), or knowing you have a class at 2p.m. but thinking that it's only 12:30p.m. when it's actually already 2:45p.m. Yes, that has happened before. Walking into class late is disruptive, embarrassing, and it also doesn't help you out because then you could potentially miss some important information.

7. Don't fall behind

For all the college newbies, I speak more toward you. College is different from high school. They don't baby you here, so if you miss an assignment or notes or an announcement, it's your job to figure it out. This is where having people you know in the class comes in clutch.

8. Buy your books cheap and actually read them

This also might be a no-brainer but if you don't have to buy your textbooks from the campus bookstore then don't. Use websites like Amazon and Chegg (and plenty others). Also, renting the book is always cheaper than buying it. Once you receive the book, use it! I know it's boring and time consuming but it will help you understand what the professor is trying to teach and the class will start to make more sense. When the teacher gives you something to read or watch, just do it. Don't worry about if there is no assignment attached to it. A lot of times, it's just better to be safe than sorry.

9. Ask questions!

This is so important I can't stress it enough. If something isn't clear to you or you need help doing something, please don't hesitate to ask your professor (or advisor) about it. Whether it's during class, after class, or through email, ask them anything and everything until you completely understand. Almost 99 percent of the time, they want you to ask questions and are more than willing to help you in any way they can. They are there to help you succeed. Even if you think your question is dumb, ask it anyway. You will feel so much better once you do.

10. Use the college's resources

This goes for a multitude of things including the library, printers, computer labs/programs, counseling, resume help, advisors, wifi, etc. Anything you can possibly use for "free" at the college, you should use it while you have it so readily available to you.

11a. Take a couple classes outside of your major

This is a fun way to switch up your schedule and make it a little more exciting. College is a great time to explore different things. Just because you're majoring in one thing, doesn't mean you can't be interested in something completely different and take a class in that. I will say be careful with that though since it isn't your major so it might be a tad bit more challenging. However, there may be another department that is closely related to your major that would work nicely together, and this is where you can take up a minor. I would suggest trying to do that early on though, unless you want to stay a couple extra years finishing it up. Another way to take you outside of your primary studies is to sign up for a fun class like yoga or ceramics. Although I would advise doing that more if you are a senior or very close to being one.

11b. Take a public speaking class

One class I would highly recommend taking, no matter what you're going to college for, is public speaking. Some people may find that a very scary concept and dismiss it right away, but hear me out on this one. I use to loathe speaking in front of more than two people and almost died knowing that my major required me to take a public speaking class. Let me tell you though, that this was probably the most easiest and most helpful class I ever took in college. My confidence in giving presentations increased 10-fold and 9 out of 10 times my face would not resemble the color of a tomato in future presentations. It should definitely be in your top classes you take when starting college because the next four or so years is going to be a ton of presentations. Get good at it early!

12. Go to school activities and clubs

College's always have something being put on around campus. If something looks interesting to you then go check it out. If your friends are busy or not interested, don't be afraid to go alone. Likewise, if a club looks interesting to you, sign up for it and see what it's all about. If you don't like it, no one is holding you there. Not to mention, clubs at your school are mostly the ones that put on the cool activities and events so get involved and get your ideas in there!

13. Be prepared

Make sure you have everything you need in your bag before rushing out the door to class. Try to rotate your notebooks and textbooks out of your backpack and put the next day's class materials in the night before. I also always made sure I had a water bottle, a couple of snacks, pens and pencils that work, my school ID, and a few dollars in my bag at all times. If your major requires other things you could fail without like a hard drive, headphones, and a camera memory card (like me), I would suggest making sure you had all that in your bag as well.

14. Rep school gear

You'll be surprised how much cool swag your campus bookstore has. It can be a little expensive but that's when you have to look for the sales at the end of each semester. I find that when you rock school gear to class it makes you feel confident and prideful and just motivated to be there. A lot of the clothes are super comfy too so it can also make you feel happy, relaxed, and comfortable.

15. Be yourself!

Last, but definitely not least, just be yourself. College is about finding yourself and finding out what you like and don't like. It's a time for expressing yourself in any way that might be and having fun. It's about making new friends and experiencing new things and it's about learning subjects you want to learn about. Make the most of it while you're there!