Going to college can be a scary time and exciting time in your life. As an incoming college freshmen, you will experience many mixed emotions. While you are probably excited to begin the newest chapter of your life, leaving home for the first time can be pretty nerve wracking. Here some suggestions that I have for incoming college freshmen.

1. Don’t Be Afraid

Don’t be afraid to begin this new chapter in your life. Everything will be okay. There are so many resources for you to utilize on campus to help you out on this new journey in life. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your instructors if you are struggling in a class. They want you to succeed and will help you succeed. Even though they might seem intimidating and scary at first, they aren’t. The majority of instructors are great people and not as scary as they might seem. Whatever you do, don't be afraid.

2. Try New Things

Maybe you weren’t super outgoing in high school, or maybe you were. Be open to the countless new experiences that college has to offer. Meet new people. Attend events that are held in campus. You might even meet your best friend along the way. Just don't ever be afraid to try new things.

3. Get Involved

Getting involved on campus is something that I would consider to be highly important. Whether it is joining Greek Life, an organization relevant to your major, or something that just really interests you, get involved. Attend a meeting and see if this organization really does interest you. Getting involved is a great way to meet new people and joining organizations will look really good on a resume. Attend sporting events held on campus. Get involved however you can on your campus. It really will pay off. You will gain valuable life skills through just simply getting involved. Just be careful not to over commit yourself and find a balance between handling your classes and the activities you participate in on campus.

4. Eat Healthy

This can be one of the more difficult things to do when you attend college. It is often very easy to just grab a meal and go because you are in a hurry. However, eating like this all the time will catch up to you. Try to eat some healthy options every now and then. The Freshmen 15 is a real thing and it will catch up to you if you are not careful.

5. Be Active

Whether it is just a walk around campus, working out in the fitness center, or participating in intramural sports, be active. Being active is a great way to relieve stress and to clear your mind. It will also help you stay away from that scary Freshmen 15.

6. Don’t Be Afraid To Use the Wellness Center or Counseling Services

Never be afraid to go to your school’s Wellness Center if you are not feeling well. Everybody that works there cares about your well being and wants the best for you. If you are struggling with being away from home, or find yourself in a tough situation at school that you need somebody to talk through with, utilize the counseling services that are provided on campus. It really does help!

7. Go to the Library

The library is a great place to get things done. It can also be a relaxing place to go to when you just need to escape things. If it isn’t the library, find somewhere that you are comfortable studying at, that you can maintain focus and study without distractions.

8. Make Good Choices

College can be a place for new experiences. But be careful in the choices that you make. Yes there will be parties and underage drinking, but always be careful and aware of your surroundings. Nobody is perfect and we all make mistakes, just always be careful with the decisions that you make.

9. Don’t Forget About Your Family

When you go away for college, it might become difficult to talk to your family on a daily basis. But always try to make time for a phone call or even just shoot your mom a text. It will mean a lot to them that you still remember them and haven’t completely forgot about them.

10. Not All Friendships Last

Even though it might be hard to believe, not every friendship you have is meant to last forever. You might think you have an inseparable bond with your high school friends, but things can change. Going away to college can be tough on friendships. Try to make your high school friendships last. Sometimes it just won’t happen. But don’t be afraid, will make plenty of new friends in college. Just be yourself and be open to meeting new people.

Hopefully some of that advice helps a little bit. Good luck with your first year of college. College really will be the best four years of your life. Enjoy it because it will be over before you know it.