Let me be the first to welcome you into the next chapter of your life. Gone are the days of high school drama and terrible cafeteria food. The time has come for you to fly out of the nest and experience life as a new independent adult.

However, with this new and exciting time comes a lot of growing up, a lot of struggles, and a lot of new experiences that test your strength, faith, and grit. But do not worry, you are not the first person who has faced and overcome these situations. I have compiled some of the many things I wish I would have known if I were in your shoes again.

College is the beginning of a new chapter of life. It is the time for you to be who YOU want to be and experience life the way YOU want to experience it. Call your mom and dad every chance you get. Even if you are so busy one night, a quick five-minute chat will make a big impact on them. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Try something new and don't worry about how other people may view you. It could be the best decision of your life.

Take care of yourself, both physically and emotionally. Take your Vitamin C and don't eat ice cream for dinner every night. Also, if the going gets tough, make sure you have some quality time to get yourself in check.Get enough sleep. I know 3 a.m. Taco Bell runs are super fun, but reward yourself with a few extra hours of shut-eye every once in awhile.

Make new friends. Leave your door open for passersby in your dorm hallway to stop in and say hi. Talk to people in your classes. Meet new people and invest in them. These will be some of the best friendships of your life.

The Freshmen Fifteen is not an urban legend. Eat a salad when you can. Actually use your free student gym membership. It will sneak up on you faster than you think.Go to class. Seriously. Your professors aren't there just to teach to an empty classroom. You are paying for those lectures, so you might as well go to see what all the fuss is about.

Stay on campus for a weekend (or 15). Explore your college town. Go shopping with friends or bowling with an organization you're a part of. Home will still be there when you come back.If it is free, take three. College gives away so many free things, from food to t-shirts to coupons. Do not take it for granted.

Start building your resume. Document all the service projects you attended and all the officer positions you held. Trust me, it will pay off tremendously in the future. Go to your freshmen orientation camp. It is the best way to transition you from high school to college life, and it sure is fun.

Do not take an 8 a.m. class. Eight o clock in college is different than eight o clock in high school. Trust me. Be safe. No matter what you do on a Friday night, make sure you are cautious and alert to avoid any problems.

Being overwhelmed is normal. It happens to the best of us. Take a deep breath and eat your fave candy. It'll be okay.

It's totally fine to change your major. I changed mine 3 times. It's not the end of the world and your parents will still love you.

When you move into your dorm, go shopping after you move in. Don't buy 80 extension cords and a lounge chair when you only have 1 plug in and no space. It'll save you time and money.

Use the facilities offered to students on campus. It is there for students to take advantage of, so do it. Also, go to the events on campus. They're often free and some of the best times you'll have.

Don't turn away from your morals and beliefs. Hold firm to what you know and what you're confident of. College is so diverse, so make sure you stay level headed in certain situations. Have fun. Genuinely just be present in this time of life. Go outside and experience the things and the people around you because before you know it, they'll be gone.