As freshman year is coming to an end, I look back and see all the amazing things I've done along the way. Along with all the things I ask myself "WHY?" Freshman year is truly a life experience. You go from living in your small town and being with your family every night. Seeing your best friends at your locker every day. Going to the big Friday night football games. Going to eat your local restaurant every Sunday morning. You wake up one morning, get in the car and with all your packed things, and you just drive away, trying so hard not to cry as you’re looking into the rearview mirror. It’s one of the biggest wake-up calls you could ever imagine. It hits you so hard, you’re not in your little nest anymore. You are finally on your own for the first time, and let me tell you, it is completely a bittersweet moment. As my freshman year is about to close its door, here are the do’s and don’ts as an incoming freshman.

DO: Make sure you go to absolutely everything you can.

Everything is new around you. Everyone else is just as nervous and freaked out as you are. Go to all the welcome week stuff. Go to all the sporting events. Go to all the fairs and see what everything is. Check out all the sororities and fraternities. Get involved with clubs and intramurals. Give everything a chance at least once. You’ll only regret the things you didn’t do.

DON’T: Do not pull what you did in high school and pick the same crowd.

You will see once you give everyone a chance. That there are so many amazing people around you. Always remember the people that you would least expect are the ones who will end up making your entire freshman year one to remember.

DO: Work your a** off in school.

I know you’re going to get overwhelmed with having all of these new things around you. Remember, school comes first. School comes first before that big, awesome football game or that huge party. Make amazing memories but after you put your priorities first. Be organized. Get close with your professors because it will only help you in the end.

DON’T: DON’T you dare skip class.

I know you were out late last night and that 9am class sounds absolutely awful. Get your happy self up, make some coffee and get your butt moving. Missing class is the one thing that will bring your grade down. Especially if they say they don’t take attendance, YOU WILL NEVER LEARN ANYTHING IF YOU DON’T ATTEND.

DO: Step out of your comfort zone.

Remember this is a brand new start. If you were super shy in high school and you regret a lot of the times you spent shying away in the corner, this is your time to bring a new you to the table. If you had a bad reputation, this is a place where you can change that all. Use this as a new you. Make it the best you that you can.

DON’T: Make sure you call your parents.

Do not forget about your parents while you’re on your own. Remember they are just as nervous as you are being on your own. You’ll see by the end of the year you will talk to at least one parent every single day. They are your best listeners and advice givers.

(I call my mom at least once a day and text her all day long)

DO: Make sure you spend your money wisely.

As being on our own, we instantly believe we have this freedom of doing whatever we want, spending whatever we want, on whatever we want. Correction ** WRONG** You do not need to buy those really nice Nike running shorts because you already have 12 pairs at home. Save your money! You never know--a random concert might come up and who would want to miss a concert?

DON’T: Don’t be that person who goes to college and only hangouts with the people from your hometown.

It’s great to have friends from the same hometown because it makes you feel more at home. But do not make that the only people you hang out with on a daily basis. You are going to college, so meet new people. Find your college best friend. Make new memories. Learn new things from different people. Expand your horizons.

DO: Do know it’s okay.

It’s okay to be stressed out. It’s okay to miss home so much. It’s okay to cry your eyes out some nights. It’s okay that you stayed up all night for an exam and completely bombed it. College is hard, not a single person has ever said it's easy. Work through each and every day. Some days are a lot harder than others. Just always remember tomorrow is a new day. You’ll get that next exam. You’ll be home in few weeks for break. Every little thing is gonna be alright.

DON’T: Don’t forget about your high school best friends.

If they are at home, or miles away at another college, your high school best friends are the best, best friends you could of ever imagine having. They’re the ones that know everything about you, especially through all your awkward stages. Be sure to send them random texts telling them to have a great day. Facetime and call them every chance you have. Those best friends are important to keep around especially when college gets tough.

DO: ENJOY THE HELL OUT OF YOUR FIRST YEAR!

It’s your first year of college. You’re on your own for the very first time. LIVE IT UP, because let me tell you, it goes by in a blink of an eye. Make as many friends as you can. TAKE PICTURES LIKE CRAZY! Laugh until you pee your pants. Try new things. Fall in love with every single thing around you. College is such an amazing experience. Enjoy the ride.

Sincerely,

The girl who is closing the doors to her freshman year.