Dear Upcoming Marshall Freshmen,

You are probably starting to pack your bags, spending the last few days with your high school best friend before you go to different schools, and getting advice from your entire family. Everyone has a piece of advice for you. Some of it is helpful and some of it is annoying. I'm sure you have been told "Go to class," "Don't go to the bars," and to "Stay in contact." Here are some things to do and some things not to do during your freshman year of college.

1. Attend Sporting Events

Go to every home game possible and flaunt your kelly green attire with pride. If there are fan buses traveling to rival away games, then grab your ticket and go show them who We Are! Make sure you attend the homecoming game and the honorary game for the 75 that were taken from the Marshall family in 1970.

2. Go to the Libraries

Visit both Drinko and Morrow Stacks libraries. Both are great places to study, but each has their own strengths. Morrow Stacks is not nearly as crowded and holds a lot of history, like memorabilia from the "We Are Marshall" movie and case files for students to research. Drinko Library, aka Club Drinko, is the newest library on campus. Drinko has the best study spots and even has the writing center. The writing center helps students who may be experiencing writing block and students who need help revising their papers.

3. Join Organizations

Stop and look at the tables that surround the Memorial Student Center lobby and the plaza surrounding the Memorial Fountain. If you join an organization, you will meet people with similar interests that will become your best friends and you will find your support system away from home. Another great reason to join organizations is that they will look great on your resume after college.

4. Go Out into Huntington

Get out of your dorm room and go explore Huntington. Experience the nightlife and have a few drinks at Jakes 21+ or The Union Bar & Grill! Eat at all the food places, both local and your favorite chains like Texas Roadhouse and Chipotle. Visit the beautiful rose garden and the Huntington Museum of Art.

5. Don't Go Home Every Weekend

Everyone misses their families and friends at home, but do not go home every weekend. It is important to fight off the sadness and make the best out of your time at school. The more you go home, the more you miss out on at school - which means you'll miss out on making memories and connections.

6. Don't Pack All of Your Clothes

I know it's hard to pack clothes, especially when you do not know what you need. You will not wear all the cute tops, jeans, dresses, and heels that you pack because you will wear the same five t-shirts and two pair of leggings.

7. Don't Buy Books from the Bookstore

Although you would be able to get your books the day of or the same week, do not get books from the bookstore. The bookstore is crowded and overpriced. Take your ISBN numbers and look them up on Amazon, Chegg, eBay, and other sites! Save your money.

8. Do Not Forget to Call Home

You are out on your own and living your new exciting life - but make sure to call home. Your family and friends worry about you and want to know what's going on in your life. They want to know how your classes are and the time old question, "Are you dating anyone yet?"

Good luck in your first year of college and as always, Go Herd!