It's the time of the year where high school seniors are prepping for their final exams, perfecting everything for prom and counting down the seconds until that glorious day where you finally, after all of these years, get to wear that cap and gown and receive that diploma you've worked so hard for. Soon after that big day is an even bigger day: the first day of college. Adjusting to this new environment can be hard, so here's some advice based on my own experiences!

1. You may lose touch with your high school friends, and that's OK!

When I started college, I lost a lot of friends that I had thought I would have by my side forever. Little did I know that something as simple as having a different major from one of your friends can distance you from them. People grow apart-- it happens-- but it's not the end of the world! There are so many people in college that you haven't met yet that might wind up being your lifelong best friend!

2. Joining clubs is one of the best ways to make friends!

Clubs may have seemed lame in high school but in college, they're one of the best ways to find people who share similar interests. You can join a sorority, fraternity or a club that's specific to your major. Most college campuses offer many different clubs so you can try them all until you find the one that really fits!

3. You do not have to be the person you were in high school.

One of the best things about college is that nobody knows you! While it might not sound that great, I swear it is! You have a chance to start over and become someone new! Do whatever you wanted to do in high school but were too afraid to do. Dye your hair. Wear brightly colored makeup. Join a sports team. Do what makes you happy and comfortable.

4. Don't abuse your newly discovered freedom.

Just because you can stay up until 5 a.m. when you have a 9 a.m. class doesn't mean you should. You'll think it's great the first few times, and perhaps feel like sleep is for the weak, but you'll regret it once it becomes routine.

5. If you are feeling overwhelmed emotionally, whether it's because of your classes or you're just feeling down in the dumps, there are resources on campus for you!

Most, if not all, college campuses have counselors you can talk to if things aren't going well. Whatever is stressing you out could be as simple as an essay you have, it doesn't matter they'll always be more than happy to help you succeed. Never feel ashamed for reaching out, as it's better to talk to someone and sound silly (to yourself at least) than to let the emotions build up and turn into something much worse.

6. You do not have to declare a major in your freshman year.

If you're not sure what you really want to do for the rest of your life, don't worry! You can still go to college and take classes. The difference is that you're not worrying about taking courses that are specific to a major. You can test the waters and take classes for several different majors until you find one that really fits!

7. You cannot write a 10-page paper the day before it's due.

Okay, you can, and I'm guilty of doing this, but you definitely cannot write a good 10-page paper the day before it's due. I recommend taking some time everyday starting with the day it's assigned to work on it. You'll thank yourself when it's 2 a.m. and you're watching Netflix rather than crying onto your keyboard because the paper is due at 8 a.m. and you've only written a sentence.

8. Be nice to your professors, they can help you later on!

In four years when you're applying to graduate school or applying for a job, you're going to need letters of recommendation! The best people to get these letters from are the professors you've spent seemingly endless hours with. So be nice, don't slack on your work, and do your best and do it on time. They'll remember you and they will be happy to help you!

9. It is perfectly OK to skip class sometimes, but don't make a habit out of it.

Sometimes you need a day to yourself to truly relax and let go. If you find yourself really stressed out, take a step back and take the day off. You deserve it!

10. Do not buy books from the bookstore unless absolutely necessary.

Most professors don't expect you to have the textbook within the first week of classes so don't feel like you have to rush to the bookstore during syllabus week and buy the required texts! Prices at the bookstore usually unreasonable and you'll only use that specific book in that class, So before you spend your life savings on two textbooks, check out places like Amazon, Chegg, and Barnes and Nobles to see if you can buy or even rent the textbook for a significantly lower price!

11. Make the most out of your college experience!

If there's something you want to do, do it. Be bold and make your college years as memorable as they can be! Like high school, time will ago by way too fast, and in the blink of an eye, you'll have a college degree and you'll be starting another chapter in your life!