Dear incoming college freshman,

All throughout high school you have been dreaming of going away to your dream school, having new experiences and finally having complete freedom to do whatever you want, whenever you want. For some it may seem like time can’t go by fast enough, for others it may seem a little daunting that in less than two months you’ll officially start your new journey. Either way here are some tips to make the transition a little easier:

1. Make sure to keep in contact with friends from home.

It can be hard sometimes to keep in contact with people, especially when both of your schedules are crazy busy, but make time. It can be as simple as a few snapchats throughout the day to let them know your alive and doing well. Breaks and summer are your time to truly catch up, so make use of that time.

2. Skype/Call your parents or siblings.

Well you may not exactly be homesick, your parents are most definitely missing you. They have just spent the past 18 years of their lives taking care of you and now you’re gone for months at a time. The least you can do is pick of the phone or computer and call them. Let them ask the annoying parent questions. They’ve done a lot for you, you can do this for them.

3. Don't be afraid to try new things.

College is the time to experiment with new things and find out who you want to be. Join different clubs, take an interesting looking class, make a ton of friends. Use these four years to your advantage.

4. Don't let laziness get in the way of doing things.

There’s going to be times when you are deadbeat tired, but push through it. Don’t skip going to a club meeting or hanging out with friends because your lazy and don’t want to walk across campus. You’re not spending all that money to sit in your dorm room and watch Netflix.

5. Find your balance.

Now with saying that last piece of advice, I don’t want you to think that you can’t have time for yourself. You should most definitely take time for yourself. Whether it be reading a book for fun, listening to music, watching Netflix or coloring, find a balance between school, work, social life and yourself.

6. Leave your dorm room door open.

You never know who you are going to meet in college. I met one of my best friends because my dorm room door was open and she walked in and introduced herself. Plus, you always get an invite to things when people know that your open to socializing.

7. Keep in mind no one knows what you were like in high school.

While college can have its cliques, it’s absolutely nothing like high school. Going away to college means you get to have a fresh start. Don’t let petty high school drama weigh you down. If something embarrassing happened, no one at your college knows. And don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and talk to new people

8. Have fun, but keep track of your finances.

Things are expensive! Make sure to save your money and spend it wisely. If you can, get a job even if it’s only a few hours a week, any little bit helps. You want to make sure you’re able to do the things you want and not get into debt.

9. Always use Chegg or another cheap online book rental site.

Don’t waste your money buying books. Just don’t do it.

10. Don't pass on a late night talk.

Splurge on that late night pizza, snuggle up in your blankets, and get ready for a late night. For some reason, late night talks usually bring out the best in people. Sometimes it’s full of laughter, sometimes it’s about serious life things, but never pass on late night talks. It brings you and your friends closer and leads to a lot of memories.

11. Your school has a gym, use it.

Going to the gym can seem like a chore but do it. Not only can it help combat the freshman 15, it also is a great stress reliever. The gym is one of the tools you can use to keep your life in balance both physically and mentally.

12. Don't bring your whole closet.

This last one is mostly for girls, college is not at all like the movies or TV shows. You are not going to want put jeans on or get dressed up for class. The majority of the time you’re going to either be in running shorts or leggings. Sorry Elle Woods, not everyone can look as good as you in college.

Good Luck!