To the incoming college student,

You are probably feeling a whirlwind of emotions right now. You're excited to be graduating, yet sad that this chapter of your life is ending ( I was). You're eager to start new at college, yet anxious to be on your own and away from the people you just spent 12 years with. College is exhilarating and daunting all at the same time. When I was preparing to "leave the nest" and become my own (almost) functioning adult, the advice given to me is what helped me survive my freshman year. Here are a few things to keep in mind during this new beginning:

1. Stay true to you

Yes, peer pressure is a real thing, and if you didn't experience it in high school, well, go you. It is definitely prevalent in college. College has the reputation of the being "best years of your life", and there is pressure that you should be having "nights you don't remember with the friends you'll never forget". Don't worry if you're struggling and college doesn't seem to be all it's cracked up to be; give it time. You don't have to be a part of the party scene if you don't want to. There are plenty of people who feel the same. Through everything, stay true to what you believe in, and don't change who you are to please others.

2. Time management is your new best friend

You will have assignments and events and responsibilities thrown at you like never before. Learning to organize and manage your time is the key to survival. Planing out your time and schedule works wonders. Even when you think you've done everything, you're probably forgetting about the four other assignments due...

3. Along with time management, learn stress management

S. T. R. E. S. S. You will feel it. You will hate it. It is inevitable. Figuring out what is urgent and worthy of your stress is crucial. Prioritizing helps, as well as, approaching your stresses one thing at a time. When you have three papers, two tests, and four quizzes, prioritizing will keep you from a mental break down,

4. (you'll hate this one, but...) Go to class

In college, your grades almost directly reflect your effort put in. If you go to class, your professors will notice. Yes, going to 8ams suck. And yes, lectures can be SO boring. You still need to go. Going to class only helps you. You never miss material, your teacher notices your presence (which makes them more willing to bump your grade up), and you're literally paying to be there. So, be there.

5. Don't forget about your family

Whether you are an only child, first to leave, or you're one of 20 kids, your family will miss and worry about you. Don't forget about them. Yes, you are your own independent person now. Yes, mom asking you 3249754 questions can be annoying. But, she is doing it because she cares. No matter what the situation, your family will always be there for you, and they'll always be there to listen. They just want to help. Let them.

Enjoy this time before you move-in. It is the last summer where you'll be living at home full-time. It may be your last summer with your friends all home. It is probably your last summer with no responsibilites. Don't wish this time away. Embrace it. You'll be a stressed out, poor, college student in no time.