As summer is rapidly winding down and the school year is approaching I find myself full of so many emotions. I am embarking on my senior year of college and I have mixed feelings of both excitement but also sadness that my college years are coming to a close. With all of that being said, I have been thinking about things that I have gathered to be rather valuable over the past 4 years that I feel you could benefit form wether it's your first or fourth year.

1. Enjoy those late night talks in your dorm or apartment.

These moments become some of the most cherished ones of all my college years. Whether I was crying from laughter or having a mental breakdown because the stress just finally hit me at once, times like these are the ones I hold near and dear to my heart. Not to mention, who needs sleep anyways, right?

2. Call your parents and your family.

Yes, being on your own and making decisions for yourself can be fun and exciting, but don't neglect the fact that your family is going through not having you around and it's an adjustment for them as well. Call them even if it's just to say "hey". It will mean the world to them.

3. Go to class.

This one is self explanatory. Do I still struggle with this concept? Absolutely. But you are at college to get a degree, so go to class. You'll survive, I promise.

4. Make those spontaneous ice cream/food runs.

These also become some of the greatest memories from college. Nothing beats late night jam sessions, and everyone likes ice cream.

5. Make friends and be social.

High school gets so many people used to their cliques, but for the most part when you go to college, you have the chance to make a new name for yourself. Be friendly and welcoming because college is where you meet your friends that will last a lifetime.

6. Actually study.

Yet again, this one is very self explanatory but so important. Yes, college is fun and yes, you want to goof off every now and then, but don't forget the fact that school actually matters. Study and work hard because I promise the outcome will be so rewarding.

7. Set goals.

It sounds cliché, but setting goals for yourself, whether they are long term or short term, will allow you to feel accomplished. Especially when you list them out and cross them off as you achieve them.

8. Don't wish your time away.

We all get stressed and complain that we want the semester or year to be over. But time flies by and before you know it you'll be like me: amazed that your time in college is almost over.

My time in college so far has been the greatest three years of my life. Yes, there have been many tears, but I have met my life long best friends, discovered so much about myself, seen things I never would have seen, been adventurous, and also have been stretched to limits I never knew I could go to. It has been the most rewarding time as well. So yes, look forward to the future and work towards your dreams but also soak it all in because next thing you know is you'll blink and it will be coming to an end.

Here's to one final year. And whatever year you might be embarking on, make it the best one yet!