Freshman year of college is not the same as freshman year of high school. Going to college/university is a huge milestone in your life. You are networking, becoming highly educated and making mistakes along the way. You are gearing yourself up to do what you love for the rest of your life. These four years are not going to be easy, which is why I have come up with some tips for all you freshies out there! I wish I knew what I was ACTUALLY going to expect when taking my first few steps on campus.
1. Figure out a study habit that's best for you
Everyone has a different way of studying. I've learned that I get my best work done being in my PJs, having a warm cup of coffee in hand while sitting on my bed with all my books laid out around me. My previous roommate would do most of her work in the earliest hours of the morning while I was asleep! Some of my sorority sisters like to sit in the library until their work is completely done. Whether it's in the back of the library or in your room, find that place that'll allow you to get your work done.
2. Make sure to have a stash of food somewhere
Point blank, college food sucks. As a freshman, I ate the food because I didn't think about buying my own. The only issue was (and still is) that at my school you have to have a meal plan if you are living on campus. Meal plans are not cheap for freshmen either because they give you unlimited... which is the most expensive option, of course. Spending extra money on food might sound ridiculous, but trust me, you are going to want a bag of Lays one day when the food looks like a cow's manure.
3. Take full advantage of your resources
Everyone working at your school (including fellow students) are there to help you. Go to the writing center, attend tutoring sessions and ask for help making your schedule. You'll regret not asking when your workload is pile high and you have no clue what you're doing.
4. Get involved (duh)
I bet all of us have heard the spiel. You need to be involved because it will look good on your resume. Join your school newspaper or writing club if you are an English Literature Major (like me). Become a team player on the swim team because you love to swim. Get to know the Greek community and possibly join an organization. As Nike says, "Just do it."
5. Call your parents
They are your support system throughout the next four years. Remember that they are there for the good and bad days. They want you to succeed. Besides, who else can you vent to when your bestie is busy with her boyfriend and you realize that your crush is a jerk?
6. Make friends
Ask the girl that sits next to you in statistics if she lives on campus or commutes from home. Go to a sporting event and meet the team or fans in the bleachers. Join a club and find someone who loves what you love. Put yourself out there. Let people get to know you! You all already have at least one thing in common (you go to the same school).
7. BE ACTIVE 
You do not want to gain the freshman 15! More importantly, though, it truly is important to stay in shape. Go to the gym or take a yoga class. Join a dance or fitness club at school. You need to be active in order to stay in the best shape and be healthy and happy.
8. Have no regrets
Do not spend the rest of your life regretting the night you went out and didn't go back to your own room. Everyone makes mistakes in life. You learn from the mistakes you make. It's like someone once said, "I'd rather have a life of 'oh wells' than a life of 'what ifs'." Keep making mistakes but not too much! We don't need to up our population a little more right now.
9. Don't buy and bring everything on that so called "College Dorm Checklist"
I bought so many things that I never used and still don't use. Also, remember that this is a dorm room so a lot of it might not fit in the room. So instead of wasting your time and money, ask an upperclassman or look for pictures of your particular dorm so that you can try to imagine what you need and how much space you'll have.
10. HAVE FUN
You should be having the best time of your lives! While you should make sure you don't flunk out, you should also let loose! Sooner or later you will be home with a child in hand waiting for Daddy to come home or vice versa.
