Surviving your first semester of college can be tricky. There is tons of new things happening and sometimes it can be a lot to handle. With the flip of the switch you have to become independent, responsible, and learn how to manage your time wisely. Successfully completing my first semester, I've come up with a list of 11 things that helped me survive the first year.
1. Don't wear your lanyard around neck!
This is the #1 thing that makes you look like a freshmen. It's not cool.
2. Get Involved.
Instead of staying in your room 24/7, join a club. Get to know your campus. By joining a club, you can meet a lot of new people and make new friends. This can also help make connections with faculty and staff at your university. 
3. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable.
College is a new experience for everyone. You are not alone. There are a lot of other new students who are just as uncomfortable as you are. Your first year of college is definitely the most awkward. Your first week, you can easily make life-long friends. Branch out to others in dorm, get to know them.
4. Be yourself.
Stay true to who you are and don't change for other people. Change is good but only if you want to. Never let someone tell you who to be
5. Be prepared.
When I say this, I mean it.There will most likely be a lesson the first class of the first week. Make sure you email your professor before classes start to see what you might need. Sometimes the professors might email you to make sure you have the required materials for the class. 
6. Don't be afraid to speak up.
All of your classes will be awkward the first month. Don’t be afraid to speak, it eases the tension in the room and soon everyone else will be talking also. Trust me, your teacher will appreciate you talking so they don’t feel like what they’re teaching is pointless.
7. The Freshmen 15 is real.
When you start college, you think that you will stay active and healthy, but the doesn't happen. Stress can often lead to unhealthy habits that can impact your body in a negative way. Be careful with you eating and sleeping habits. Try to make healthy decisions that will help your body in a positive way and try to make it to the gym once in awhile. 
8. Make time for yourself.
It's good to be involved on campus but remember to save time for yourself. Whether it be watching a movie, going for a walk, or listening music having time away from others and school gives your brain sometime to rest. Caring for yourself is important for mental health; it gives you space to breathe.
9. Napping.
I mean let's be real here, who doesn't like napping. College is exhausting. There will be times when you will be up all night trying write a paper or finishing a project. Napping is a way to help you catch up on your sleep. I took a naps pretty much everyday.
10. Stay in touch.
Whether it be with your family or high school friends, having people at home who support you is important. It's nice to have someone who is always on your side. So don't just call your parents for money actually talk to them because they miss you and you secretly miss them too.
11. Have Fun.
Most importantly, have fun. Don’t stress about your first tests, they aren't going to be as hard as you think. Hang out with the friends you make, try things you’ve never done, and explore the area your college is in. 
Freshman year can be the most awkward year but it can also be the most fun year, so enjoy it while you can! It may seem hard, but you got this! Stay focused and don't let the stress get you down. It goes faster than you think!
