College. It's scary, it's intimidating, it's exciting, and most importantly, it's hard. Really hard. Filled with mental breakdowns, all-nighters, and terrifying finals, us college students all understand the difficulties of college, but sometimes we forget what we're here for, ourselves. Those stressful four years are all about you, and there are many ways to stay on track, and make the most of the college experience. Because let's face it, if you're going to be spending a small fortune on something, don't you want it to count? Here are 11 ways I've found to work in helping me succeed throughout my first semester.

1. Make the library your second home

Being in an environment that is strictly work-related is much more motivating than sitting alone in your room with the temptation of your bed and Netflix only a few feet away. Remove the desire to ditch the studying by forcing yourself to go somewhere where the only thing to do is work.

2. Get involved

College is all about experiencing new things and discovering yourself. Relying on your parents to sign you up for clubs and extracurriculars is out of the question, and if you want to be a part of something, you have to do it on your own. Make the effort to involve yourself in activities that you enjoy, and can help you be a better, happier person all around.

3. Befriend your professors

I never realized how much of an impact your professors can have on your life in and out of the classroom until I decided to go to their office hours regularly. Teachers are truly there to support you, and want to help you succeed in any way possible throughout your college experience. If you’re having trouble with a particular class, make an effort to make yourself known to the professor and show them that their class is a priority of yours. Teachers are much more inclined to help and support you if you show interest, dedication and as much time to their class as they are putting toward teaching you the material in the first place. It’s all about respect.

4. “Make New Friends, But Keep the Old”

I remember learning this song when I was a Girl Scout, but it’s still relevant to us college students! It’s true that meeting new people, and experiencing new things is incredibly important and essential to college, but you can’t forget about the people that have shaped you into the person that you are today. Make an effort to keep in contact with your friends from high school, and keep the connection strong and close. Trust me, you’ll need them.

5. Schedule everything

I’ve always been an incredibly organized person, mainly because I get super stressed out when things don’t go according to plan, but I never understood how important planning was until I went to college. Although you’re faced with loads of free time in college, you need to effectively fill that time up with activities, and plans to stay as productive and successful as possible. Keep a planner or journal that you can write down all the things you need to get done for the week, month, or year and stay on top of it.

6. Don’t get discouraged

College is hard. Before my first semester I always assumed that college was this never-ending land of fun times, and partying. It’s not. There are so many stressful all-nighters and new adventures of being independent that can break you down. It’s important to know that you're not alone, and there are always people there to help you through it.

7. Utilize resources

We’re paying out the ear for top-notch resources that we often times forget to utilize, even when they’re free! Universities purposefully offer loads of fun events to take some of the stress off of the constant studying and tests every week, and we should be using them! Go to bingo night, the movies, and any other activities provided, because college shouldn't just be about work.

8. Be selfish

This is a time in your life where you are finding yourself, expanding your education, and heading toward your future. It’s all about YOU. Make sure to understand that you are paying a large amount of money to invest in yourself, which is why you should make the effort to make the most of that money, and expand your knowledge, and also yourself.

9. Treat your dorm like your house

Most of us have lived in the same environment for at least the majority of our lives. In college, you’re uprooted from your childhood rooms, and moved into an entirely different living space where you have a roommate and are typically in a pretty confined space. Something I’ve found pretty effective throughout my first year away from home is making your dorm room as comfortable and homey as possible. In my room I set it up with decorations and things to somewhat replicate my room back home, because at college your dorm room is supposed to be the place you are most comfortable. Make it feel that way.

10. Managing money

Most of us in college are only a few years away from being completely independent, and living on our own. College is supposed to prepare us for the future and for what lies ahead, and a big part of that future involves money. It’s important to start learning how to save your money efficiently and manage it properly. A few ways to do that is opening a savings account, getting a credit card to start building credit, and setting strict budgets for yourself. Save, save, save! You'll thank yourself later.

11. Be passionate

Like I stated previously, college is an important time for discovering yourself, and being selfish. This is the time to discover what you’re passionate about, and pursuing what makes you happy. Set goals, be excited about the journey of finding your major, and love every step of the way. College goes by quickly, so love every second of it while it lasts.