When you’re in high school you think you're busy, you think that working and going to school is enough, and you're 110 percent sure that you are prepared for the next chapter in your life. But let me tell you, YOU’RE NOT! College is hard. It’s constantly changing and it seems like everyone can handle it except you. You’re gonna be more stressed than you’ve ever been and, to be honest, you’ll probably consider dropping out and becoming a stripper way more than you actually should. College will change you even if you don’t want it to and before you know it you’ll regret ever being excited to leave high school. It’s impossible to be prepared for college, so here are a few things I wish someone would have told me before I started.

1. Take every extra credit opportunity you have.

In high school, extra credit is like icing on the cake, but in college, it’s the difference between academic probation and never having to deal with that professor again.

2. There is no shame in asking for help.

We’re not meant to understand every concept professors throw at us, so take advantage of any tutoring available, your professors office hours, or form a study group. Just do something, because trust me it will only get harder.

3. If you’re not happy, do something about it.

Just because you picked a major doesn’t mean you have to stay with it. Use your intro classes to find out if you’re really interested in that major, if not, don’t waste another semester preparing for a career you don’t like.

4. Syllabus is law.

A professor won’t tell you what you missed on Tuesday, so check the syllabus before you ask them. Use this as your warning, even if your professor likes you; don’t expect them to bend rules just for you.

5. Everything will cost more than you expect it too, so prepare early.

There is no shame in clipping coupons, buying things discount, or going to the free events on campus, so don’t feel like you’re alone.

6. It’s important to have breaks in your schedule.

There’s nothing worse than shuffling from class to class for an entire day. Make sure you have at least an hour break so you can grab lunch and collect your thoughts before the next rush of lectures.

7. Go to class.

It may seem pointless to sit and listen to a lecture over a chapter you already read, but getting in the habit of skipping classes can really hurt you later in the semester.

8. Make friends who have the same major.

You may not find them right away, but surrounding yourself with people who understand what you are going through is a lifesaver.

9. Get a planner.

It will be impossible to remember everything you need to do and when it needs done. So buy a good planner and write EVERYTHING down.

10. Lastly, college is about making mistakes.

You will fail a test and you won’t always make the best choices. As long as you get up, study harder, and learn from what you’ve done wrong, you’ll be just fine.