There's no denying the fact that you're first semester of college can feel like a roller coaster of emotions. First you're excited to actually go away and start a new journey. Then the nerves begin as you pack up your stuff to move into your dorm the next day. Then you start to wonder how you are going to go weeks without seeing your friends and family from home as you decorate your new room. Then as you start to meet new people and begin your classes, you wonder if you'll actually make it through the first semester. The truth is, going away to college isn't for everyone, and that is perfectly okay. Our lives are all going to play out differently, but that's the great thing about life; everyone has their own unique story. But for those who do go away to college, I am here to tell you it will be okay! You will get through it and in the end many of you will see that it was the best four months of your life. Not only because of the fun you had, but also the self-discovery that took place. So here are some tips I came up with after completing my first semester of college to help you get through yours.

1. Never be scared to introduce yourself to someone new.

If you think about it, everyone in the freshman class is in the same boat. We all have a common goal of making friends. So why not introduce yourself to someone? That someone may later become your best friend. And if they don’t, that’s okay! The good thing about college is there are so many people to befriend.

2. You do not have to eat a meal by yourself.

My first week or so of school, I was scared to eat in the dining hall because I did not want to sit by myself. However, every time I worked up the courage to go eat there, I ended up sitting with people. College isn’t like what you see in the movies; no one wants you to be alone. If you don’t get invited to a table, ask a group if you can eat with them (even if you’re like me and accidently ask if you could sit with a group of seniors. Although I felt so awkward after I realized how old they were, they really gave me some of the best advice and reassured me that everyone feels the same way and it will get better). It’s not weird, I promise. And it’s another great way to make friends!

3. Go to the events!

One of the most important rules for going away to college is to not sit in your dorm. You will not meet people or make fun memories that way. So go to the football game, go to the “battle of the classes.” I promise you, you will have fun, you will meet people, you will add another memory to the book.

4. Never procrastinate on your school work.

I am very guilty of this. In the beginning I procrastinated all the time and I still do struggle with it sometimes. But when it’s Friday night and all your friends are getting ready to go out, where do you want to be? Getting ready with them or stuck in the library because you procrastinated on the paper that is due tomorrow morning at 9 am (yes, school work can be due on weekends)?

5. Take every (responsible) chance you get to go out.

I have had the most fun I have ever had during my first semester of college. I was always the type of person to stay in and watch movies, which can be great some nights. But one change I made in college is I forced myself to go out and I am so happy I did. The memories my friends and I have made, the laughs we have shared, and the new friendships that were formed have been some of the best parts of my first semester of college.

6. Do whatever it is you love to do!

College is the perfect place to embrace what you love. Join the club you’re interested in, go to the sports games that you enjoy, take part in a program that you love. No one will judge you, you’ll make more friends, and you might even find a new hobby or passion.

7. Make college everything you ever wanted it to be.

One thing I learned my first semester of college is this is your first chance to have complete control of your life. Your parents won’t be there every day to tell you what to do. So take that and run with it (in a safe and responsible way of course). Stay up until 3 am Friday and Saturday night. Meet new people every weekend. Go get a quesadilla from the cabaret at 12 am. I know these sound like small things, but they make for the fondest memories.

8. Don’t let anyone tell you how to “do college.”

Of course unless they’re trying to help you if you’re not making the best decisions. But if you want to stay up until 3 am doing homework because that is what works best for you, by all means do that. If you want to join 13 clubs, I’m your assurance that it can be possible, if you want to eat 4 cupcakes on cupcake Tuesday, don’t let anyone stop you. College will be one of the only times you get to make every decision for yourself, take full advantage of that.

College has changed me in so many different ways and I couldn’t be more happy about it. I no longer care what people think of me and I do what makes me happy. I am more outgoing which has lead me to meeting so many amazing people. I have learned so much about myself and I have grown academically. I don’t think I could ever put into words what my first semester of college was like. But I do know that I have never loved myself or my life more than I do right now. One of my best friends once told me, “This is the happiest you have ever seemed.” After she said that, I thought about it and she was so right. College has been the best experience so far for me, and I hope it is for you, too.