11. Go to your professor's office hours.

Your professor doesn't have to be your best friend, but if you're struggling in a class, letting your professor know that might save your grade. If you're doing really well in their class, it's also important that your professor remember you and that you get to know them, because in just a few short semesters, you might need them to write you a recommendation letter. It's important to leave a good impression, because you don't want to be that kid who has to remind your professor who you are before asking them to write one for you.

10. Don't go out the night before a test.

While it might seem like a good idea at the time, treating college tests the same as high school tests is not wise. Some professors might not even give you a study guide, and if they do, they probably will still include some questions that weren't on the study guide. Make sure you're always prepared for whatever your professor might throw your way by studying the night before instead of hanging out.

9. Make a friend in each of your classes.

As much as everyone will tell you not to, you'll probably skip a class from time to time (hopefully, it's only because you're really sick, right?) So when you do finally sleep through a class, you're going to want to make sure that you know someone willing to lend their notes and go over the class work with you because your professor's job is only to teach class once a day. If they wanted to tell you everything they went over every time you missed class, they wouldn't need to have a set class period.

8. Don't stay in your room all the time.

It might be tempting when you don't know anyone to keep sitting in your room watching Netflix and silently stalking your roommate's Instagram, but don't do it. Make sure you never eat a meal alone and try to get to know as many people on your floor as possible. The people on your floor will introduce you to people they met at orientation or in class, and eventually, you'll have an entire network of friends whom you can go into town with or whom will make spring break plans with you. If you spend all of your time in your room, chances are you'll get homesick really quickly and won't last very long. College is a big place and it's easy to feel lonely.

7. Make sure you get some sleep.

Don't go out every single night, and don't think that you have to wake up at eight every single morning in order to keep your gym goals. Your sleep is important too, so make some time on the weekends or on a day where you don't have classes to sleep in a little longer and go to bed a little earlier. Trust me, you'll thank yourself for it during those weeks where you aren't allowed to sleep.

6. Always take notes in class.

I mentioned earlier that you might want to borrow your classmate's notes when you're sick, so it's best if you take notes so you can return the favor. As easy as college might look, finals are the exact opposite. Chances are your professor is not going to post everything online or give you an exact study guide, so take notes, and make sure they're good, because you'll need them.

5. Find your exit buddy.

College is stressful. You'll make a lot of friends, but make sure you also find someone who you can rely on when everything seems to be going to the wall. This might be an upperclassmen, your big, or even your roommate, but when the going gets tough, make sure that you have someone who you can rant to and will also understand what you're going through. This is going to be one of the truest friendships you'll make in college.

4. Keep track of your assignments.

Buy a planner, download the Google Calendar, write on your arm, I don't care how you do it, but make sure you know when everything is due and when your midterms are coming. I once slept through a midterm because I had a really nasty respiratory infection and the professor didn't remind us that the midterm was the next class period. Don't be me. Learn from my mistakes, and make sure you always know what's coming next.

3. Get involved.

Whether it's learning how to swing dance, joining Greek Life, or making your own club, find something you're interested in and make sure you get to know people with similar interests. You can try out as many clubs as you like until you find one or two that really catch your eye. Don't allow yourself to go through freshman year without having joined anything. Your social life, and not to mention your resume, will appreciate it.

2. Don't forget to call home.

Mom and Dad aren't necessarily the cool parents they might have been in elementary school, and honestly you're probably really excited right about now that you're finally going to have some time without them. But, hey, they're still your mom and dad. Don't forget about them. While you're getting ready to embark on the next huge step in your life, they're losing a part of you that they've held on to for the last 18 years. This isn't easy for them, and when you're knee-deep in homework and finals are approaching, a small care package might be what keeps you going. Don't burn any bridges that you don't have to. College is all about connections, make sure you don't forget that your parents are just as important to your success as your college and relationships here.

1. Enjoy yourself.

Have fun. This is college. You're finally here, so you might as well enjoy it. Enjoy this new city, full of exciting people and places. Make sure you make time for yourself and that you don't stress about classes and making friends 24/7. This is going to be the best four years of your life -- don't let a single minute pass you by.