The first year of college always comes with a giant learning curve. I picked up a few tricks that I am going to share with y'all so you don't make the same stupid mistakes I did.

1. Be Prepared

Always keep a phone charger, headphones, snacks, and an umbrella in your bookbag at all times. Trust me you'll need them almost every day.

2. Stay Hydrated

Buy a reusable water bottle to take with you. The campus will likely have water fountains in every building so you can refill it on the go.

3. Keep Your Change

Save all of your change! Especially the silver coins! It'll add up quick and God knows you'll be that typical broke college kid at some point with no shame paying for your Chipotle with all your quarters.

4. Go To Class!

For the love of all that is good in the world, DON'T SKIP CLASS. I am so guilty of this and have tried to work on my habit but trust me, save those absences for when your actually sick or for a trip later in the semester.

5. Be Friendly with People in Your Class

Talk to the people who sit next to you in class and exchange phone numbers. If you ever do miss class, they can be your go-to for the notes you missed.

6. Get Some Good Shoes

Invest in some good walking shoes. You're going to be doing a lot of walking and blisters will really f up your day.

7. Meet With Your Professors

Talk to your professors. Go to them for help, email them, establish a relationship. It'll show them that you are putting forth an effort in their class and they will be more willing to write you a good reference in the future.

8. Shop Smart

Don't be ashamed to ask for that student discount. Whip out that student ID and abuse that shit. A lot of stores, the movies, ice skating rinks, and theaters will offer a discount to students.

9. Get A Long Phone Charger

Get a long-ass phone charger. Your bed will most likely be lofted and you're going to want to use your phone in bed at 3 am when you can't sleep.

10. Go Out and Do Things!

Last but certainly not least, Make time to go and do things. Your time in college is definitely a time to learn but you'll go stir crazy if all you do is study and do homework. The reading can wait. You can make it to that movie.

These are just some of the many, many, many tips to help de-stress your life and trust me, college is STRESSFUL.