Even though I have only been in college for a little over one month there are still a lot of things I have learned that I didn’t know before I came. In this month that I have lived the college experience I have changed and adapted to what it’s like to be a college student. Here is some advice and things I have learned in my short time here for incoming college students or anyone who wants a taste of what college is like.

1. Moving in is very stressful and your parents will probably be more stressed which makes you even more stressed and everyone’s just stressed, so remember to just breathe and try to chill.
2. You’ll never stop needing things. Whether it's groceries, cleaning supplies, decorations, etc.
3. You don't realize the most simple things you need until you actually need them like a broom or even something to put your toothbrush in.
4. It’s okay to not go out for the first week or so. You need to get yourself acclimated and used to your surroundings.
5. You're not going to make a ton of friends the first day or even month that you're there, it takes time so be patient.
6. You're going to miss home a lot but that's okay.
7. You're going to feel like you're all alone but just remember that everyone else is going through the same thing.
8. Be involved, go to club fairs and meetings, its a great way to keep yourself busy and make friends.
9. DON’T BE FAKE! If you start off being fake then you’ll surround yourself with the wrong people. Be yourself and you’ll find people just like you.
10. People don’t care about anyone but themselves so don’t be worried about people judging you or be worried about what other people think because, no offense, but no one cares. Just do you.
11. Don’t do more than you can handle. It can be overwhelming with all the choices of classes and clubs but don’t over work yourself.
12. TAKE NOTES!!
13. Always read your textbooks. It may not seem necessary, but professors refer to readings a lot during class and it will help you understand what is going on.
14. You have to constantly check your professors’ websites. They almost never assign things in class and they wont remind you of it either. You're in charge of getting things in on time.
15. You’ll probably second-guess your choice of what college you went to but it’s okay. You chose the school for a reason, things will get better, and you'll end up liking it much more later on.
16. Don’t walk around campus alone at night.
17. Always have friends with you, especially at parties.
18. I’m sure we’ve all heard this before but don't put your drink down at parties or a club and don’t pick one up! Also, if someone offers to buy you one then watch the bar tender make it!
19. There is literally something for everyone and there’s always. something to do so there's no excuse for you to not get out there and have fun!
20. Exams sneak up on you and come before you know it so always keep up with your studying.
21. Go to office hours. Not only to get to know your professors but you can ask for help. Often times in class there isn't enough time for the professors to answer everyone's questions.
22. Homework isn’t usually required or graded so you may feel like you don’t have to do it but you still should because that’s also a way of studying so you can understand what’s going on.
23. Don’t be shy to talk to people. Especially in college it is so casual and normal to talk to complete strangers and people will be really nice most of the time.
24. If you don’t understand something or don’t know where your class is just ask for help! People will almost always be willing to help.
25. Make friends in your classes and get a couple of your classmates’ phone numbers. It will help if you miss a class so that they can tell you what you missed. It’s also good to have a study buddy when exams come around.
26. Save weekends for going out and partying and leave the week for your studies. Don't forget, you are in college for an education
27. Save money as much as you can!! Whether you like it or not, you're a broke college student.
28. Make friends with cars (but don’t be friends with them just for their cars).
29. Have school spirit. Rep your school and go to sporting events. They're super fun and you can meet a lot of people.
30. Take your required classes first. They suck but you can get them out of the way so when you're a Junior/Senior you can take classes towards your major and ones that you're interested in.
31. Unlike high school, you can’t study for an exam the day before. Studying is a long process because there’s a lot of information to remember so do it ahead of time.
32. There are tons of free resources around campus such as tutors, counselors, coaches, etc. so use them to your advantage.
33. If you don’t feel comfortable doing something, even if everyone else is doing it, don’t do it!
34. Carry a small pepper spray with around with you especially if you're walking at night. You can never be too safe.
35. Most people will tell you that long distance relationships in college usually don't work out. But that doesn't mean you shouldn’t try. If you believe that the person you're with is “the one” then go for it!
36. Keep in contact with your old friends from high school or back home, they’re the ones who will always be there for you.
37. You’ll make friends with people in the weirdest ways. For example, you could walk by someone wearing the same shirt as you and be like “ayeeee”, and boom you have a new friend.
38. People are down to hang out with literally anyone.
39. You’ll appreciate your parents and your home way more than you did in high school.
40. To sum it all up: make friends, meet new people, be involved, ask for help, your mental health comes first, and have fun!