As a freshman in college life becomes very different. It isn't high school anymore and mommy and daddy aren't there to help you (as much as you wish they were). You'll learn that you have a newly found freedom and independence, which is always a good thing. But now you have more responsibility, with school, work (if you choose to do that), time management, money management and much more. I wish someone had told me how hard being a college student was before going in. And if I could do parts of my freshman year over again I would. Don't get me wrong, I loved everything about going to school. I just wish I knew what I was getting into.

I didn't do the greatest my freshman year. College was most definitely a shell shock and something that was so different from my home life. I could stay out as late as I wanted, be with my friends when ever I wanted, could eat when ever, did anything and everything I wanted. And being the social butterfly I try to be, I was distracted from what was truly important ... school!

So I'm making a plan to help myself and hopefully help anyone else who reads this and is trying to get their s*** together or pick up the slack from last year.

1. Make A Goal Board

Whether it's long-term or short- term goals, list them. Then list the steps to achieve your goals. It could be a the stupidest, silliest goal there is, but if you can achieve it put it on the board. The goal board will help you realize the steps you need to take to get where you want.

2. Make a to do list

Yeah everyone says to do this, that it's a given. I've tried it and the first few times, it didn't help, but I realized if I give myself a reward at the end of the list I would get more done. My roommate thought it was super funny that at the end of my list I would have a spot to check off saying "go out for the night or weekend."

3. Make study dates with friends

This may help some people more than others. But it most definitely helped me during finals. We had a group of people sit in the lobby of our dorm hall, and we would work and periodically take breaks to talk, goof off or get food (food while studying is a gift).

4. Time Manage/ Prioritize

Plan out your day or even your week. Get important things and things that are due done first. You can always go back to the easy things and get them done fast. If you do the more time consuming things first it will allow you to get what you need done. And limit procrastination. (Procrastination is youworst enemy).

5. Make Time To study and get help

Make sure you get a chance to go over things for class that way if you don't understand something you can ask your teacher questions as well as going to tutors (use the tutors). Don't be stupid like I was and hope you'll figure it before the exam. Your friends from classes and clubs or groups can help you. They have either taken the class before or taking the class as well.

6. DON'T BE SCARED TO ASK FOR HELP WHEN YOU NEED IT.

Everyone will end up needing help at some point. Whether it's with school, a relationship or your home life. You're not alone. Odds are someone has gone through the same thing (and it makes you stronger and a bigger person when you ask for help). Personal things can affect your work ethic even when you don't think so. I know from experience.