I have only been at Purdue University for a week, but I have learned so much about being on my own. I had time to reflect on the way I spent my time at home before I left, and I can definitely say that there are a few things I wish I would have done. Here is a list of things I did or did not do but wish I had.

1. Spend as much time with your friends, family, and pets as you can.

I definitely did this. I tried to cuddle with my puppies even if they didn't want to. I went with my family to my favorite restaurants on the south side of Chicago to get in touch with my childhood. I also allowed myself to get high on sweets with my friends at the Sugar Factory or become an adrenaline junkie at Six Flags or have a midnight breakfast at IHOP and order the Rooty Tooty Fresh n' Fruity pancakes. It is important that you do these things before you leave because everything will be different when you meet again. Trust me on this.

2. Buy a doormat.

I did not do this, but I really wish I had. It rained on my move-in day, and my gym shoes got soaked. I had nowhere to put them except on the tile. The same went for my shower shoes. You will definitely need something for your wet belongings so that they don't make a mess in your small space that your parents (or you) paid over $7,000 for.

3. Pack the game Cards Against Humanity.

Of course I did this! It's one of my favorite games. Just think of it as a fat penguin; it breaks the ice! Especially in college, you will find that a good way to bond with people during the first week is to invite them over to play with you. Almost every college kid loves this game, so you will not regret bringing it.

4. Look in the mirror and say "I would sooooo date me."

I definitely did not do THAT specifically. It was probably because I wasn't looking for a boyfriend right away in college. What I'm really trying to say here, though, is that you should be confident when you meet people. Smile, be friendly, and most importantly, be yourself. Don't get into political arguments with everyone you see. Be approachable. Get people's numbers and Snapchats. This is what I have been doing, and it's going pretty well. Sometimes, you might feel lonely, but remember this: it's the first week! Relax. You have time to make friends and see who sticks.

5. Become a part of any and all Facebook Groups for your college.

I totally did this. This is one of those times that social media is a good thing. Take advantage of it if your school's Facebook group is active. Mine was, and I learned where to go to loft my bed or what Boiler Express was. You also get to message your future classmates and maybe find a roommate. You won't regret it.

6. Prepare yourself for an open mind.

Well, I had no trouble with this, but some people do. You will meet so many different kinds of people in college. Some you may not like, and some you will. Yes, there are people you will meet who have never seen two guys holding hands or seen a black person before. However, I've seen them plenty of times, so nothing has really shocked me yet. However, it is okay to have your own opinions and beliefs. Don't have such an open mind that you allow anyone to put things into it. Otherwise, you lose yourself.

7. Study the campus map.

I did this a week before I left! It was so helpful, but it is even better to download your university's app that will show where you are on campus. You don't want to be that silly freshman that never has any idea where they're going. If you have time after you move in, take an hour and just get lost. You will learn the landmarks and be prepared for your first day.

8. Don't get into arguments with family or friends.

Unfortunately, I did this. I lost a friend two weeks before I left for college. Also, my parents were arguing the whole day that I was moving in. Of course, moving into college is very stressful and can have a strain on relationships. However, you don't want to leave home with a huge hole in your heart or something that is unfinished. Period.

9. Get a wrist coil for all your keys.

It's so simple and stupid but great! I wish I invented these things because I have many locks that have keys. When you're in college, you should want to lock your valuables because a lot of things get stolen. Although I haven't seen anyone else wearing one and I awkwardly make a lot of noise as I walk through the halls, it's convenient AND it's cheap. What more could a college kid want?

10. Bring many (but not too many) pairs of shoes.

It's such a hassle to know how much to pack. Will you use it all or will it just collect dust as you slave away in school? I can say that I have packed eight pairs of shoes, and I am using ALL of them. I have flip flops, sandals, gym shoes, dress shoes, and boots just to name a few. Believe me, I am using all of them. With the weather changes and the amount of walking you might be doing (I've walked about seven miles every day), you'll want your feet to have a variety to choose from.

I know I am a fairly inexperienced college kid who probably shouldn't be giving advice, but this is all very true! For those of you who still haven't moved into your college dorm, I suggest that you take the time to reflect on your life, clean up your mistakes, and be able to move forward. And most importantly if you are a Purdue University student, boiler up!