We are told that college is supposed to be the greatest time of our lives, right? If you’ve already completed your first year, then you probably already know that most of the time, college doesn’t go a smoothly as planned. We, as young adults, go to college with the best intentions and sometimes end up with things we didn’t exactly want. This defines my first year in college as a pre-medical biology student. If this is your first year of college this list is designed to be beneficial for you to follow and expand. If this is not your first year, use this article as advice to keep in mind and as a comparison to how you made it out of situations similar to mine.

1. Study. No really…. Study

Can you imagine, Studying? In college? Absolutely. If you’re anything like me, I worked a part time job and took a full load in school. With that being said, studying was not always my strong suit. So my first tip is to actually spend time studying and researching the things that you don’t understand. You can not pray for an 'A' and study for a 'C'.

"So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” James 2:17. Work as hard as you pray and you’re guaranteed the grade you desire.

2. Often times the road less traveled is a road you must travel alone.

It’s hard (especially if you go off to college) to keep in touch with friends from high school. Often times we are so consumed with our own lives, and eventually we grow apart and are no longer in contact. After graduation, it sometimes seems that most of our old friends are not going down the same path we are. Don’t fret you are exactly where you are supposed to be.

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11. Sometimes that plan causes you to lose friends, just always remember that plan is greater than you are and in order to succeed you must trust in God and allow him to order your footsteps.

3. The Freshman 10… 15… 35

I’ll start by saying I gained about 25 pounds my freshman year and I battled with that almost every day. I really took a shot to my confidence and it put me into somewhat of a slump. If you are currently struggling with weight gain or weight loss, remember that all of your weight goals begin with self-love. There is a lot of pressure out there to be something we simply are not. However, we must remember that we are beautifully and wonderfully made and that the only thing constant in life is change. Remain strong, you’re just as beautiful today as you were yesterday.

"You are altogether beautiful, my love; there is no flaw in you." Song of Solomon 4:57.

4. Stop stressing.

Again if you are anything like me, you want to succeed so bad that sometimes you can almost taste it. Since I have a particularly long road ahead of me, aspiring to become a doctor, it is not hard to often sway paths and contemplate other options. Sometimes I work myself into a frenzy over what school I should go to next and how I can get there. Please do not sweat! I repeat, do not sweat what is coming next, because eventually, you will burn out.

"So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today." Matthew 6:34

5. Be Strong and Hang on.

My grandma once told me “Once you feel like you’ve gotten to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on”. It seems like I’ve done a lot of knot tying this year. Brothers and sisters in Christ I encourage you to hang on. That one failing grade, that one missed party or event, those few sleepless nights cannot even compare to what’s in store for you. Every work you are performing now is only minimal to what’s to come. "Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and his prowerful strength." Ephesians 6:10.

The devil will put things in your way, disguised as great opportunities, but do not be fooled . "Put on God's armor so that you can make a stand against the tricks of the devil. Ephesians 6:11.

College can be overwhelming, but just remember, you can do all things through Christ.