Adjusting to a new schedule in college can be challenging. When can I eat? When will I have time to workout? How much time should I spend doing homework? These are only a few questions to consider when determining what works best for you and your schedule.

During my first semester of college, I worried about adjusting to life on a big college campus. One of my biggest concerns was figuring out how the bus system worked. My dorm was pretty far from the majority of my classes, making a bus the only viable option for getting to class on time. I spent syllabus week getting up earlier than I needed to and quickly knew the buses like the back of my hand. Now, I’m a pro.

My biggest piece of advice to anyone having trouble adjusting to college life would be to spend the first week or two of school finding what fits best with your schedule. Get into a routine.

DON’T FORGET TO EAT. This might sound stupid, but it’s very easy to skip a meal when running between classes or studying for an upcoming exam. Two days a week, I would hang out in the dining hall during my four-hour break between classes. Not only does it serve bottomless food options, but the dining hall also turns out to be a great place to get some homework done.

Almost as important as remembering to eat is making time to workout. Before class, after class, in between classes- whatever floats your boat! The Freshmen 15 claims many victims, but you don’t have to be one of them. Utilize that stadium or free gym to combat against weight gain during your college career!

School is like a full-time job, but people who have full-time jobs can still have fun. College isn’t solely about getting a degree (even though that’s a HUGE part of it). It’s also about making memories and having fun. You need some cool stories to tell to your kids someday, and college is the perfect place to write some of those stories. Go out and have fun.

Most importantly, discover what works best for YOU. Not a morning person? That’s okay! Stick to afternoon classes. Join clubs that peak your interest. Stay in with friends instead of going to the club. It’s all up to you. This is your life, and this is your schedule!