Dear Incoming Freshman,

Welcome to the world of freedom! You will soon realize being on your own is harder than you think. You will also realize self-control and time management is HUGE and with these traits, college can be such a great time but you have to remember school comes first and play comes later. I am writing this letter to share my top four tips to help you get through your first year!

I want to start off with PACKING 101.

Guys, you have it easy. Few shirts, few pairs of pants and shoes. Unless you're a brand name, everything needs to match kinda guy. Then, you know the struggle of us girls.

Girls, you do not need your whole closet, I repeat, DON'T BRING YOUR WHOLE WARDROBE. Sweatpants and leggings become your best friend. Comfort is key. No one is looking at your outfit, odds are they threw their outfit together last minute as well. When you're getting ready before your 8am, I promise you aren't looking at what is going to make you hot stuff. I also know you want to look hot for the upperclassmen but girl to girl they don't care what you wear.

TIP 1 for you is to.....

Yes, at that moment skipping class may sound like a good idea and yes, your bed definitely feels better than those desks you sit in but going to class is IMPORTANT! Skipping a class in high school is much different than skipping a college class. Lectures are crucial in your career because that is where you will learn most of your material. Yes, textbooks are helpful but the exams will be what your professor states in their lectures. It's very hard to impossible to make up a lecture unless you have a really good reason for missing. If you do miss, don't be afraid to talk to your professor or get lecture notes from people in your class.

Tip 2 is for you is to get some SLEEP.

Now that you don't have anyone to tell you to go to bed, you yourself needs to go to bed at a reasonable time. I have to admit, 2am is my normal bedtime on most nights but it is all up to how you function on a certain amount of hours. Sleep helps you 'remember' for your lectures and it also is beneficial for your health, so you're not sick and crying that your mom isn't here to make you feel better. (Yes, this happened)

Tip 3 is to take advantage of the services around you. For example, if you have a paper that needs to be proofread, head over to the writing center where students will help you. Another example being the Office of Student Success! If you need help with planning out your next few years or need help with classes just head over there and they will gladly help you! Also, don't be afraid to reach out to upperclassman! We were in your place once, we get it. Don't be afraid to ask for help!

Tip 4 is to GET INVOLVED. Take this third tip and never forget it.

Get involved as much as you can on campus. It may sound scary but it is so worth it. Join clubs! But, don't join 400, you will get emails beyond emails and it's quite annoying. Pick about 2-4 clubs that you're interested in and go to meetings to see what they are all about. Go to events such as movie night because why not! Free movies... FREE. Events on campus are one of the many ways to meet people on campus. It really helps you to get out there to meet new people. Some of the friends I have made at events will forever be in my life and I wouldn't have it any other way.

These are just a few tips of many but You got this far and you are only moving up! I wish you all the luck and you are going to have the best time of your life!