Right now, you’re probably on top of the world, excited to graduate and enjoy a summer of fun. You may feel stressed with the work, exams, and trying to figure out which college you’re going to. The excitement about going to college is building up inside you. You long for freedom and adulthood. You are so close, so here’s some advice, freshmen to freshmen.

1. Keep your relationship with Christ

Wherever you go to college, whether a Christian school or not, your relationship with Christ, is well, just that- yours. A Christian college may encourage you more in your faith, and provide more ways to remain in your faith, but you still have to decide to use them. A secular college can even easier pull you away. Retaining a relationship with Christ will keep you afloat, give you hope, and provide the comfort, love, and peace you so desperately need during such a new time in your life.

2. Be social.

So much of college involves friends. Weekend plans with friends give you something to look forward to when you’re studying, typing, and studying more. However, in order to meet those people, you have to get out of your dorm and put yourself out there. Yes, it can be scary, and nerve-racking, but trust me, when you find the right people, those nervous moments will very quickly dissipate into laughter and memories. Branch away from the friends that will follow you from high school. Those people may be great, and certainly stay friends with them, but there are so many more waiting for you to join them in life.

3. Do the work.

Late nights will become a thing, I promise you. No matter how much you say you are going to get your work done during the day, it will still pile up. Get it done when you can so it is the best you have to offer, but also so you can have fun with friends and not have a mountain of homework in the back of your mind.

4. Be yourself.

There are so many things you can do, opportunities to learn, and people you will meet. Through it all just be yourself. Don’t try to change for other people or to fit in with a group. The right people will appreciate who you are. Purely you, not fake or pretending.

5. It’s okay to call your parents.

There is no shame in calling your parents. When you go to college, you’re probably moving out, and with that comes questions and homesickness. Call your parents, ask questions, hear their voice. It is okay. Don’t feel bad about it. You’re at a time in your life where so many things are new, your parents will help you and give you the answers and comfort you need. Give them a call.

6. Make exercise a priority.

You’re making new friends, taking harder classes, having to organize your time wisely and plenty more. Getting some form of exercise will help you tremendously. You will feel better, avoid freshman 15, and can burn away the stress, and anxiety. Take group exercises classes, find which equipment you like, and get it done.

College is so fun, and it is such an amazing experience, enjoy it and take it one day at a time. Take opportunities you’re given, enjoy the little things, and enjoy the time you have, it flies by.