The time has come for college students across the country to start heading back to their respective campuses, excited to see their friends and reignite their social lives while fighting the nerves for another stressful semester. Back-to-school season is always bittersweet, but it is a great time to identify some goals you have for the upcoming school year. College flies by way too fast. With some simple resolutions, we can make the most of it.

1. Actually read the syllabus.

The first week of classes has a reputation for being unnecessary and the perfect time to ignore any responsibilities you may have. Whether or not you choose to maintain this mentality, at least make the effort to read your courses' syllabi. In doing this, you'll know what to expect and can avoid any unpleasantly surprising situations that could arise throughout the semester.

2. Go to a callout for a new organization--not just for the pizza.

It would be a shame not to take advantage of the huge variety of clubs and organizations available at most colleges. Even if you've already found your fit in previous years, it never hurts to keep exploring your options.

3. Keep an open mind about new classes.

Filling those core requirements that have nothing to do with your major may seem like a waste of time, but it can't be avoided. You have to pass the class no matter how you feel about it, so you may as well take something useful away from it. Also, try not to let others' opinions of certain classes or professors affect yours. Everyone has different experiences, so wait and decide for yourself. Then you're free to complain as you wish.

4. Take care of your body.

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With our busy schedules, it's easy to ignore our basic needs. It would be unrealistic for me to recommend a full eight hours of sleep every night, but you don't need to pull all-nighters, either. Make an effort to participate in some form of physical activity at least a couple of times a week, and maybe cut down your cheesy bread orders.

5. Be social in all settings.

For freshmen, this is a no-brainer, unless you want to spend the next four years sulking by yourself. For those of us returning to college, it can be easy to fall into a comfort zone with our current friends. However, you could be totally missing out by closing yourself off. The more the merrier, right? Instead of sitting in the back corner of class and listening to your iPod, talk to someone new! How many times have we been told the benefits of networking?

6. Stay passionate about your major.

It can be easy to fall into a slump, but here's a heads up--you're going to have to do this for the rest of your life. You should be able to be excited about your major. If you hate it, change it.

7. Be smart with your money.

If you're a seasoned college student, you know that money disappears pretty quickly during these years. If you're a freshman, you're about to learn. Spend wisely. You probably don't need to grab a drink from Starbucks three times per day. Everything adds up!

8. Make an effort to attend more school-wide events.

More than likely, this will be the last time in your life when you're surrounded by so many people united by one institution. Don't take that for granted! Even if your school's football team has a less-than-perfect record (Purdue, we're looking at you), go to a game or two anyway. Check out any concerts or speakers that you typically might not be interested in. Enjoy these opportunities while they last.

9. Do laundry more than once a month.

Do not ignore this pivotal aspect of adulthood. If you keep up a consistent laundry routine, you can avoid buying new socks once you run out of clean ones (see number seven). Your wallet will thank you. Your roommate will thank you. It's an all-around good idea.

10. Make time to call your parents.

While you're off living your exciting college life, they're at home doing nothing remotely as fun. They miss you and crave updates as to how you're doing. This can also be therapeutic on our end. I know from personal experience that a quick five-minute cry on the phone to my mom always makes me feel better.

11. Drag yourself out of bed for that 7:30 class.

You may feel like crap this early in the morning, but you'll feel even worse when you're calculating your grades at the end of the semester and realizing all of the participation points you missed out on. Remember why you're here! But…

12. Don't feel guilty about having fun.

As important as it is to keep your priorities straight, having fun should always be one of those priorities. Work hard, but don't drive yourself crazy. You deserve to enjoy college!