The first couple of weeks back on campus are great. Welcome week is a blast, and normally the realization that you actually are here for school doesn't sink in until suddenly you're swimming in essays, upcoming exams, and more readings than you can handle.

To add to that, there are hundreds of clubs to look into, different research positions you're throwing elbows for, and office hours you should really get your ass to once in a while. If all that wasn't enough, you still want some happiness in your life, including seeing friends, being able to go home to family, go out once in a while and maybe even a couple of hours of sleep here and there.

College has been the best time of my life, but I definitely wouldn't have survived a month without a few lifesavers that kept me sane and on track no matter what I was going through.

1. My dog

The light of my life, and admittedly a pretty big part of me being okay with going to a university close to home. Nothing compares to puppy cuddles, so whether it's her, or random dogs on the street, you already know I'll be savoring every second of this great stress reliever.

2. Food

A great part about living on campus is that aside from the dining halls, there's such a variety of restaurants to try out that your stomach never goes unhappy. Being hangry is a real thing, and I've realized letting myself snack on some of my favorite things drastically helps my mood post exam or midnight studying.

3. Friends

Pretty obvious, but that doesn't diminish their importance. From supporting you through hard classes, to being your wing girl/guy and beyond, the life line from a friend group is unbeatable. The best part is college brings you so many amazing people, you'll wish your limited years here could last forever.

4. Chegg and Quizlet

Me IRL when I copy and paste a homework question into google and the entire solution comes up. To whoever created these wonderful websites, my GPA and sanity thank you endlessly.

5. Quiet study spots

Every campus beats them, and it sure beats trying to write an essay worth 25% of your grade when Betty won't shut up about her boy problems at home.

6. Music

Everything about music is calming. No matter what genre you're into, listening to it in a time of need can change your entire mood. Also a little PSA, listening to classical really is shown to help retention rates for studying.

7. Night life

It's important to have a balance. You can keep yourself locked up in the library for days, and nothing great will happen for you. Going out with your friends once in a while is so important to keep your mood up, even in stressful times.

8. Travel

It's not always possible, but whenever it is, I highly recommend going wherever you can. I've never learned so much about myself and the real world as I have in the limited times I've been able to take a break from my personal reality.

9. Time management

Absolutely CRITICAL. Take it from the master procrastinator herself, putting off every essay and study guide until the weekend before is a disaster waiting to happen. It takes a while to get into the groove, but once you do, your entire well being will skyrocket.

10. Family

We all love the feeling of independence, but when it comes down to it, no one will be there for you like your family. You start to cherish texts making sure you're still alive, and going home to your crazy relatives on the holidays.