You’re about to enter the wonderful world of college, and as a freshman, you have no clue what you’re getting yourself into. Don’t worry freshies, three years and endless mistakes later, this senior is going to give you some tips you best not ignore. Trust me, the seniors know best.

1. Do NOT take an 8:55 a.m. class

Okay, chances are you have already signed up for classes and/or promptly ignoring my first tip. Go for it freshie, tell me how you feel after two weeks.

2. Figure out a class schedule that works and stick to it

Everyone is different; some people say take all your classes in the morning and in a row; others suggest that you space out the classes so you have breaks. For me, the best semester schedule I had started at 4 p.m. and usually ended around 8 p.m. It was beautiful, but I know for most that
wouldn’t work.

3. When you write an essay…

Read the prompt twice. Find quotes from sources that answer the question and then double check with the professor that you are actually answering what they are asking. Then start the essay.

4. But let’s be real, you are starting this essay the night before…

Read the prompt and find the quotes first, then write your essay. Don’t start your essay with some flowery shit like, “Not all humans believe in God but BLAH BLAH BLAH.” That’s middle school shit and you’re in college, time to graduate. (Also, trust me, I’m an English major.)

5. Speaking of professors though, meet with them at least THREE times each semester

They want to help you. Seriously. And if you meet with them and know them, they are more likely to round up your grade at the end of the semester.

6. Do NOT wear the stupid lanyard around your neck

Just. Don’t.

7. Triple check your alarms. Especially during finals week

The stories your parents tell about sleeping through their finals are cute, but I guarantee they, nor yourself, will think it's funny when you get an F for missing an exam.

8. Bring tupperware to TDR

It’s like broke college grocery shopping to the max. But it’s worth it and you’ll save so much money.

9. DO YOUR GODDAMN HOMEWORK

You may be thinking, jeez Jess, obviously I’m going to do my homework. No, what I mean is you’ll sometimes get homework that doesn’t really have a due date but needs to be done before the semester ends. Figure out a schedule within the first week of school and get that shit done. No one is going to pity you when you’re up all night finishing all the homework assigned over the entire semester. Not a single freaking person, freshman.

10. The Golden Rule of Escalators: Walking on the left. Standing on the right

Do not mess this up or everyone will MURDER you. This is not a drill.

11. Exercise

No, but actually. Spend 30 minutes either outside or in the gym; just do some physical activity that is completely unrelated to school. Your stress and anxiety levels will thank me later.

12. Also: me time

You poor freshmen are about to have exactly ZERO alone time. Between roommates, floor-mates, school, and life itself, it is so hard to find a single minute truly alone in college. It’s great most of the time, but you should try to find at least a few hours every week to do nothing with no one.

13. Find a study spot

And then find 10 more. There's a good chance that at one point, your spot will be taken, especially during finals week. And don’t rely on the library, because during finals week, it is literally a hell hole of epic proportions. Everyone is in there and you're going to grateful that your September self found that secret study spot clear across campus.

14. Join a club

Do it. Immediately in the first semester. Make friends outside of your floor ASAP because by second semester, there is a good chance you’re going to hate almost everyone on your floor.

15. Rush

First, rushing is completely different than pledging, so don’t think that if you rush you've automatically signed your soul over to Greek life. And I think almost everyone should rush. For girls, it costs only the first weekend in the spring semester and like $30. By the end of it, you might meet the girls who will become your best friends. Or you may not. And, although I’m obviously biased, I definitely think the sacrifice of a weekend is worth the risk of potentially finding men and women who will support you, mentor you, and care about you.