1. Eat. Eat every day.
Even if you think you aren't hungry, even if you think the bagel you had at 7 a.m. was enough, even if you don't think you have time, EAT. Eat every single day.
2. Don't stress about getting your books right away.
Books are very important in a lot of classes, but sometimes (even if it doesn't say it on your book list) the teacher has things to say about the book that they will be teaching from. Every teacher is different. Just last semester, my teacher said "I want you to use the 6th edition because I didn't have time to go through the 7th edition this summer and make a new PowerPoint." I feel like it's really important to wait for books.
3. Dress to impress.
You only have one first day of any school year. Like one first day of a job. You get one first impression. Make it count. I know that people judge as soon as they meet you. Whether or not they mean to, people judge you based on your appearance. I like to dress nicely for the first week (it helps because I have a campus office job), then slowly start dressing down through the semester. I'll go from wearing more business-y attire to business casual, but I'll still try to look professional...until finals comes around. Once that happens, expect sweatpants, moccasins, a sweatshirt, and zero makeup.
4. Pay attention!
It may only be syllabus week, but there's actually important information in those. Like what your teachers expect out of you, and when your assignments are due. Two things that are definitely important in a successful year. Even though it's only syllabus week, you can't slack on your work. I'm a person that hits the ground running when it comes to my academics, and I should, I'm paying for it, after all. All in all, put some effort into paying attention, it makes for a more successful semester, year, and college experience all together.
5. EAT.
It's so important I'm saying it twice. I can't tell you how many times I've walked around campus thinking "have I eaten today? I'll do it later." Next thing I know, It's later, and I'm about to pass out because it's been 36 hours since I've eaten. I may not be the best example of eating regularly, but I'm trying, and you should too!
6. Don't count on your friends being in your classes.
Your friends won't always have the same classes as you. It's important to remember that your friends are your friends no matter how often you see them. Someone once told me "I'm not here to make friends. I'm here to get an education". Friends are fine, and even beneficial, but when you worry about them and count on them to get through your day is when you're going to have a problem. You're going to cause yourself more worry and stress than it's worth.
7. Mental health days are a thing. USE THEM.
I can't get through a semester without using at least one mental health day for classes and work. Whether I'm using it to sleep or breathe, I need at least one. I shut off my phone, my laptop, everything. This is really important to me and my well-being. Even if it can get hard to shut my brain off, that day is much needed. You don't have to turn everything off, but try to just chill out for the day.
