I know, I know. You are all tired of hearing advice from people only a year or two older than you and acting like we're so much older. But here's the thing, we do kinda know what we're talking about because guess what? Not too long ago, we were the excited, nervous freshmen that had no idea what we were doing, too. And trust me, we wish someone would have told us instead of having to find out the hard way. So, here's just a few tips on making your transition from high school to college a lot easier:

1. Make sure your financial aid is all in order.

Ok guys, whether you received a scholarship, a grant, TOPS, or you're paying out of pocket, make sure everything is paid for or you have set up a payment plan before the drop date or they will drop every single one of your classes. And yes, they really will do it. Don't wait the day before the semester starts to try to get everything in order, procrastination has never helped anyone.

2. Read the Syllabi for your classes BEFORE the first class meetings.

I'm sure some of you have heard this before, but hey, can't stress it enough right? The syllabus has everything you need to know about the class- time, days, materials needed, etc. If you're lucky you'll get a professor that reads over the syllabus with you on the first meeting, but some professors will jump right into lecturing. So, it's best to come prepared.

3. Join something.

No, seriously, do it. I remember everyone above me saying "you need to join something" over and over again. I thought there's no way I'll be able to juggle fifteen hours, a job, homework, AND extracurricular activities. It's important to get involved because I didn't. My life has literally consisted of school, work, homework, repeat. It's important to at least do something. You don't have to overextend youself trying to be involved in absoluetly everything, but it is important to put yourself out there, socialize, and make new friends.

4. Get a Planner.

I promise a planner will be your bestfriend. Write everything down, everything! Write down your quizzes, tests, homework, due dates, work schedule, and events. Writing everything down gives you an idea of how your week will be and gives you the ability to plan out and have time for everything.

5. Get a good backpack.

Trust me on this one, you need to get a good backpack. With all the things you have to carry, you're going to want to have a durable, sturdy one. I know, doesn't leave much room for cuteness, but you need something that's going to last with all those heavy textbooks.

6. Buy rain gear.

You don't have to have the most expensive rain boots, rain jacket, and umbrella, but you really do need to get some. Rain or shine, you have to go to class and you definitely don't want to get caught in the rain (even if you do like pina coladas . . . get it?).

7. Don't buy your textbooks right away.

The syllabi or your professors should tell you if/what textbook are required for classes, but it's really important to ask if you're actually going to use the book. I spent almost $300 on a textbook that was "required" and to this day, I've never even cracked it open. So $300 wasted dollars later, I learned my lesson about that!

8. Watch what you eat.

Ladies and gents, the Freshmen Fifteen is real! I know it's so convenient to eat out, especially if there's fast-food restaurants on/near campus. I'm not saying calculate every single calorie you consume, but try to go with the healthier choices. This also goes for undereating. I've seen where people get so caught up with everything that's going on that they actually forget to eat!-- Take care of yourself, guys!

9. Make a buddy in every class.

Make a point in every class to "buddy up" with someone and get their number. If one of you misses a class, you can ask them about what you missed. You can also form study dates and help each other learn.

10. Don't study all the time.

What? You're telling me NOT to study? Why yes, yes I am. Take a break every once in awhile- go on a walk, eat lunch with a friend, go to the movies, etc. Don't get so caught up in school work that you forget to enjoy yourself. This is the last step to real adulthood, savor it while you can! It's true about what they say, it really does fly by.