I've written articles about how much I love Missouri Western State University and things that people need to know before they start college. Now that the fall semester is coming closer, I feel as though I should give tips to help you survive while you're at college.

1. Highlight your course syllabus.

Don't highlight everything, though; just the things that are important like deadlines, office hours, anything in bold and contact information.

2. Make sure you purchase the correct textbooks like the right edition.

There have been times where the bookstore says one thing while the teacher says another.

3. Buy a five-subject notebook.

That way you never forget your notebook for a class.

4. Get a planner; it doesn't have to be anything fancy.

You just need something that you can keep track of everything that's going on inside and outside of school. That way you know what projects are due when, and when you need it get them done so you're not staying up all night to finish it.

5. Folders, you have to have folders.

It's not like high school anymore! Your college professor will not accept waded up essays that were pulled out from the bottom of your backpack covered in coffee stains.

6. Always back up your files.

Keep a flash drive on you at all times, or even use Google drive. Some college professors will not accept the excuse that you lost or broke your flash drive, or that your essay is on your laptop at home.

7. Make a budget.

College is expensive especially if you choose to do summer or online courses. You don't have to live off Ramen noodles, but you also don't want to spend all of your money on fast food and games when you have so much else to pay for.

8. Never skip class.

Not only are you paying hundreds of dollars for the class, but you never know what information you are maybe missing out on.

9. Talk to your roommate and try to get along.

Don't let problems build up till you explode or cause friction between you two. You have at least an entire year together, don't let it be awful.

10. Get a tutor!

Missouri Western, unlike some schools, have free tutoring located on campus.

11. Apply as soon as possible, not only for admission but also for housing!

That way it's one less thing to worry about when school starts. And, those you apply for housing first get first pick on their residential hall if a room is available. If you apply too late for housing, then you might not get the residential building you were hoping for.

12. Sign up for your classes immediately!

You'll regret it later when the class you need is full!

13. Get an alarm clock that works for you!

I use my cell phone, so I can set several alarms since I sleep through most of them. But make sure you don't put it anywhere near your bed, that way you have to get out of bed to turn it off.

14. Start your resume early.

15. Find out where you can get a discount!

Tons of restaurants and stores have discounts for college students if you show them your school ID.

16. Visit home whenever you can, you might not think you will miss it now.

But you will get homesick.

17. It won't kill you to switch you major; I've changed mine more times then I can think.

The most important part is that you're happy with what you choose.

18. Go to campus events, not only do you get to be involved but there's always free stuff for college students.

19. Find upperclassmen in a similar career path, that way you have someone you can ask questions.

20. You will not stay in touch with everyone from high school, but that's OK.

21. Spotify and Amazon have a student discount.

22. If you can test out of a class, then do it.

There's no point of wasting time and money on a course you know you don't need.

23. Extra credit does not exist in college, so don't bother asking the professor if you will have it unless you want them on your bad side.

24. Buy Grammarly; it will save you so much time and effort when writing an essay.

25. Make your class schedule your phone background during the first week or two.

That way you're not getting lost or digging for a piece of paper in your backpack.

26. You don't need that $100 backpack.

27. Ask your professor if you can record their lectures, that way you can play it back later just in case you missed anything while taking notes.

28. If you use your phone as an alarm clock and are a heavy sleeper like me, then you can put your phone inside a glass to make the alarm louder.

29. Don't slack off at the beginning of the semester; that is the perfect time to build your GPA up since the classwork is easier.

30. Make flashcards!

31. EasyBib app is a lifesaver.

32. If you write notes in pen or, end up having a class where your professor make you write in pen. Then you will need whiteout. Whiteout can also be very useful for other problems!

33. You will need a stapler, your professor will not bring one for you, and may not accept any papers that are not stapled.

34. Keep a change jar, or a piggy bank. I despise change until my piggy bank is full and it turns out to be $50 worth.

35. You will want to get a mini fridge for your room. Unless you don't mind all your items going missing.