As I'm entering my 5th (yes, I'm old) and final year of college I've been to my fair share of social gatherings. I've seen it all. The good, the bad, the ugly (yes, I'm talking about frat house bathrooms) and I can tell you one thing; I had the time of my life. I'm beyond excited to start my senior year round 2, my victory lap, because at this point I know the ropes and how to balance everything when it comes to college. It's one more year before real life begins *sobs* and I'm going to make the most of it. To all the ladies out there who are just beginning their journey, I am so damn envious of you. Enjoy it, these years go by entirely too fast. However, as little fish in a big pond I'm sure most of you are nervous and unsure of what to expect when it comes to college parties. Believe me, they're a whole new ballpark compared to the ones you've grown to love in High School. That's where I come in. Here are some hopefully helpful bits of advice from yours truly to help you graciously dive into the deep end that is a college party.

1. Make It A Girls Night Out

Ok, so I know you're going to meet a ton of new people in your freshman halls both boys and girls. You're all going to cling each other and those people will probably be your good friends throughout the year due to the basic concept of proximity. If you're lucky you'll remain friends as your college years go on. However, one mistake I've seen freshman girls make time after time is bringing a huge group of both guys and girls with them to one of their first college parties. If you want my honest advice, leave the boys back at the dorm and just bring with you a small group of girls. I'd say 10 at the most, 2 at the least depending on the size of the party. You were lucky enough to be invited to an upperclassman party, don't make a bad first impression by bringing a ton of people where it's not wanted. Especially if it's more of a kick-back than a rager. Awk.

2. If You Choose To Drink, BYOB

Nothing's worse than people who think they're entitled to whatever they want just because they were invited to a party. We're all poor college kids. No one is going to be giving away free booze like there's no tomorrow. Do yourself a favor, be polite and bring your own. Not to mention it's safer that way instead of bumming it off some people you just met. Also, respect yourself, the place, and fellow party guests. That's somebody's home and they are kindly letting you inhabit it for the evening. Drama is a no-no, know your limits, keep it chill, and carefully choose who you want to accompany you there. Who you bring is a direct reflection of yourself whether you want it to be or not. Remember, you're kind of an adult now so it's time to leave the High School habits in the past.

3. Don't Be Afraid To Mingle

Hey, you were invited here, weren't you?! Nothing screams "we're freshmen" than a group of girls huddled together in a corner not talking to anyone but themselves. Introduce yourself and meet people. Just be yourself. College is a time where you get to start over and leave it all behind if you want to. No one here knows about that embarrassing moment you had in gym class your junior year of High School or that you were referred to as "Brace Face" in Middle School. It's a clean slate, so rock that great first impression you want people to have of you. Strike up a conversation with someone new or join in and play some games. That's what college is all about! All of us here were new to this once just like you.

4. Use The Buddy System

I'm totally going to sound like a mom here, but I don't care. My parents have taught me well. That being said, make sure everyone you came with has a plan to get home safely. I know this experience is new, fun, and exciting, but you need to be smart about it. As a group, you should all make sure you have each other's phone numbers before you go out in case you get separated. Don't go anywhere alone with anyone you don't trust. And be sure to have the big 3 before leaving for the night (phone, keys, ID).

5. Have Fun!

Don't stress too much. This isn't rocket science. Just be yourself. The weekend is your time to unwind and forget about school work for a little bit. Make memories, dance on tables, laugh until you cry. Like Tom Petty said, "I've learned one thing, and that's to quit worrying about stupid things. You have four years to be irresponsible here, relax. Work is for people with jobs. You'll never remember class time, but you'll remember the time you wasted hanging out with your friends. So stay out late. Go out with your friends on a Tuesday when you have a paper due on Wednesday. Spend money you don't have. Drink 'til sunrise. The work never ends, but college does."