When it comes to major life transitions, I have noticed that I have far too much naivete for a person my age. Unfortunately, college is probably one of the biggest transitions I will make in my life. No matter how much advice I was given by teachers or older friends, I had not a clue when I first got on campus. I had no idea where anything was, how to buy textbooks, nothing. I knew that I would be the only Montanan on campus, so I had no idea how to react when I heard at least fifty of my classmates say they were from just outside of Boston wearing the same lines of clothing and with the same boring personalities. I had no idea what to do. Though I eventually found kind souls who took me under their wing, I still stumbled over my own innocence the entire road to where I am today.

So, because I know there are plenty of poor, unfortunate souls who will have a similar experience to me in the near future, here are 14 lessons about college I've learned—one for each week I've spent on campus:

1. Know your limits

As you may know, I am not a drinker, and this advice is primarily given to students about their already subfunctional alcoholism. That advice still applies, but I am referring to knowing when it's time to take a break. Academics at the collegiate level is far more difficult than what you dealt with in high school. Even if you're like me and are taking entry-level science prerequisites, they will still take plenty of time to handle. And, let me tell you, it all adds up much quicker than you'd expect. It is important to keep track of your stress levels, and when you feel like everything is starting to fall apart, it's time to stop for a bit and breathe.

2. Take it easy for a while

This is one of the things that can help you prevent a lot of stress in your first weeks. Though you may think you have a lot on your plate at the moment, life gets a lot busier when you start something like an on-campus job. Any time demands outside of your normal academic schedule are going to take some getting used to if you aren't an absolute overachiever. Learn how much time to spend on your academics is best for you, and then go from there—but don't go crazy.

3. Find places where you can relax and get work done

I cannot work in my room for extended periods of time. Being as ADHD as I am, my room is full of many satisfying distractions that can take hours of time away from me when I need to write a four-page paper due in forty-five minutes. Trust me, if you have the same blatant lack of any concept of time, you need to take action before you can get distracted and find a place to work. Whether it be the library, a common room, or some other random place on campus, if you think you may get distracted, you need to get out.

4. Learn where all the important people are

At Trinity College, the administration is scattered all across campus. You'll find the registrar's office and student accounts a good five to ten-minute walk away from the admissions office or even farther away from campus security. Plus, many of the buildings are not labeled and look exactly like each other, so it is important for you to learn the map and learn it well.

5. Find friend groups that are right for you

I have heard that many of my friends have found friends that don't exactly work out that well. Being in a new environment means lots of people to get to know—and a lot of people who you definitely should not get to know. These people are all around you, and you will not know this until you learn more about them. Thus, I've found that it's best to let things play out as they are. Do not get too involved in relationships with your peers (whether platonic or not) until you know it's right. Because when you find the right friends, your brain will make sure you know that.

6. Get involved in student clubs or organizations

Once you're settled in, know where to speak to the president of your school, and know just how to circumvent your atom-sized attention span, figure out which clubs match your interests. If you're thinking about a certain major, there is likely a club or organization that you can get involved with that will guide you through the entire academic process. Or, if you have not decided on a major yet, find political organizations or clubs that are centered around your hobbies. You will find a lot of people who feel the same, and that makes life a little bit easier.

7. Budget your time wisely

That being said, don't go too hard. It is very easy to not have an accurate sense of when you need to work on homework or when it's time to take a breather. Irresponsible schedules have led me many times to work on homework for so long that I miss meals or social events I was supposed to go to. Don't be like me.

8. Eat your damn veggies

Speaking of food, you need to improve your diet. I don't care how much wheatgrass you put in your low-calorie high-protein fat-free non-GMO gluten-free dihydrogen monoxide-free vegan nightmare smoothies, you need to eat better. With on-campus dining, it is very easy to eat several meals that do not satisfy your dietary requirements. Don't get me wrong, I've already thrown more stones in my glass house than I can count in this regard. But, it's people who are at their worst who give the best advice, and eating healthy will mean you are much more prepared to tackle the day, even if you think wheatgrass is stupid and useless.

9. If you need supplies, know where to get them

If you're like me, chances are you have no idea how to prepare for classes. I will go out and buy countless supplies that I think I need but end up buying a bunch of junk I don't end up needing and forgetting literally everything that I need. But, when I do know when I need supplies, I remember that Wal-Mart exists, but do not know if it exists within arm's reach, so I forget about it and end up forgetting about notebooks that I need for a massive chemistry lecture. Learn how to access public transportation and go.

10. Spend money wisely

Though it may come as a surprise to some who see me at a hella expensive liberal arts college in the East Coast, I am poor. I do not have enough pocket change to treat myself on a regular basis, so it blows my mind when I see some of these children walk onto campus with at least five bags of clothing on their shoulders from whatever bougie brand is in these days. If your parents can't afford to pay for your entire college experience, do not make it a wasteful one. Hell, don't go crazy even if you are able to. If you want to be able to afford luxurious items but you don't have the money to pay for them and still stay afloat, don't splurge. I have to remind my impulsivity of this at least every three days. It's hard, but proper budgeting and self-control will come in handy when you're actually living in the adult world.

11. Pay attention to your body

My body has practically collapsed at this point. My circadian rhythm has died of malnutrition, I have eaten way too much ice cream for being lactose intolerant, and I haven't been to the gym in . . . ever. Your body will eventually start to tell you that you're doing something wrong, and when it starts, listen to it. Take a break, take a hot shower, eat some good food, and take care of yourself. You won't regret it.

12. Befriend your professors

You are at college. You are attending class with a professor that you've heard some not-so-hopeful things about. Their content is extremely difficult, their tests will slaughter your GPA, and the reports send you right back into therapy. But here's the thing, office hours are a blessing in disguise. Sure, it may be intimidating, but if you feel like you're not solid on the material, talk to your professors. They are more than willing to work with you if you need help—you just need to ask for it. Also, meeting with them will not only allow you to get close with some highly interesting people, you will also gain references that you can use to improve your chances in graduate school applications. Or they may just give you some extra points, but beggars can't be choosers.

13. Expand your horizons

I am that one kid who hated anything even remotely spicy. I could not handle it. Of course, with all of the diversity of food here in Hartford that I was not privy to (or rather refused to be) back in Montana, I was forced to try something new. Sure enough, I have expanded my palate and found some foods that I really enjoy. It doesn't just come down to food, though. Try new hobbies, meet new people and hear their experiences, do whatever (reasonable thing) comes to mind—they call it the "college try" for a reason.

14. Above all, have fun

College is a time of self-exploration and cultivating your newly-found independence. But with that independence comes self-reliance, so it is up to you to make your experience count. Do not just sequester yourself in your room and stay antisocial. Don't spoil the fun with too much school, either. You have to give yourself some time to really savor the time you spend in college. After all, these are some of the best years of your life, and if you don't enjoy them to the highest reasonable extent, you're likely to regret it. Don't just survive, thrive.