Last week you heard 12 ex-freshmen’s advice on college expectations, changes, independence and friends. This week we bring you the second half of the series with advice on hot topics like room mates, parties, dating and staying safe, as well as some retrospective insight that should help you to keep things all in perceptive.

Did you get along with your roommate(s)? What is your advice for incoming freshmen about room mates?

Meghan: My roommate and I got along, but never hung out outside of our room. I would tell incomers not to worry too much about roommates because you really just have to be able to sleep in the same room as them.

Hannah: My roommate and I got along swimmingly! Most of the time if we were in the room together we were both asleep. If not one of us was. If we were both awake we quietly kept to ourselves. We never had an issue because we respected each other's spaces. We never moved anything without asking and we never turned on the main light if the other was asleep. My advice: be kind and considerate of your roommate. Talk to them if you need to. Be friends with them if you want to! And if you're about to do something just think: would I be annoyed if my roommate did this to me? If the answer is yes, you probably shouldn’t!

Emily: I got along well with my roommate. We both wanted to get along and were pretty considerate of each others wishes. We had a few disagreements and issues but we got over them. All in all I was happy with my experience with my roommate and it ended up being a really good learning experience.

Meredith: Be careful about rooming with your best friend. Spending time with someone is much different than living with them, and it can really drive a wedge through your relationship. Make sure to communicate honestly and openly.

MD: Me and my roommate had so many issues at first, we did not get along too well. Now she's my best friend and I'm so glad I met her. Future freshmen should be very clear about the rules they set up. I said I didn't have any rules because I didn't want to be a pain, but if you have rules let them know right away, even if they seem obvious to you.

Tiana: My roommate and I got along all right. I wouldn't call us friends, though; it was more akin to a professional relationship, with us only speaking to each other when necessary. We just had different friends. I know some of my friends either really loved or hated their roommates, though, so it's really a mixed bag. My advice is to try to contact your roommate before school starts, because then you might be able to identify things you have in common, ask them questions about their preferences, and collaborate on which big items you each will bring. (Ex. microwave, fridge, etc.)

E: No, I definitely didn't. My mistake was getting a suite with strangers. Don't ever do that. Try and compromise if you come to a disagreement. Some will hit it off right away while others will find they don't like theirs. Unless you already know your roommate, it's really a hit or miss situation.

Abbey W: I loved my roommate! As long as you clearly communicate with your roommate on a regular basis, you will at least have respect from your roommate, hopefully even friendship.

Anonymous: Just start off with what you expect and what your roommate expects. Set guidelines of what you are not OK with and what you are.

Gabrielle: I loved my roommate. She was my best friend from home. Still best friends and super glad it wasn't like one of the horror stories. Communication honestly is the best thing.

R: My roommate and I get along really well, so well that we're living together next year as well. I’d advise incoming freshmen to be open to the possible new friendship. Communication is also key, whether you like your roommate or not. Also, if it turns out you can't stand your roommate, ask your RA if there's any possible way you can switch.

Do you feel safe on campus? (Explain if desired.) What is your advice to freshmen about safety?

Meghan: I feel very safe on my campus. There are campus wide officers who keep the school and its students protected. I have never run into any instances where I did not feel secure. I would tell freshman to trust those in charge and always travel in pairs or groups.

Hannah: For the most part I feel very safe, but that's mostly because I have a knife, mace, and a pretty heavy Mjölnir key chain. That and you can call campus safety at anytime. My advice is to call up that Campus Safety if you feel unsafe! Don't worry about bothering them if it's late because it's their job! They will be more than happy to help you! Also, lock your door when you go to bed if it doesn't lock automatically. It's always better to be safe than sorry.

Emily: My campus was exceptionally safe. Though I'm sure it happened, I rarely heard of instances of rape. Even at parties, people were for the most part pretty respectful and not too aggressive, compared to parties at other campuses I attended to, these parties felt very safe. I also walked back to my dorm very late at night many many times, as I stayed up all night in the studio often to complete my art projects. This being said, it is important to be careful and never do something you don't feel safe or comfortable doing.

Meredith: I personally feel very safe, but always keep an eye out. Carry whatever you need to on you (pepper spray, cell phone, room key) to feel secure, and if you do any partying, plan ahead of time who's giving you a ride, how much you wanna drink (if any), and use a buddy system.

MD: I feel safe at AU, and any times I was not safe it wasn't the fault of the school, I was not careful. Don't go home with guys you meet at parties.

Tiana: If you're concerned about safety-- and even if you're not too worried-- please try bringing a flashlight and pepper spray with you. I didn't factor safety concerns into my planning for college much, and I can't even begin to tell you how much better I felt on my walks home once I had a flashlight.

E: Obviously nights out in the dark aren't the most safe feeling, especially for girls, but campus is pretty safe. Just try to always be with another person if you can. Common sense really.

Abbey W: I feel incredibly safe, there is very little to worry about on campus. Make sure to always have a buddy you can trust at parties.

Gabrielle: I'd say so. We had no real problems. If you're still uncomfortable though, don't walk alone.

R: Yeah, I feel pretty safe on campus, especially since it isn't a city campus. Advice for safety? At least at night, always walk with a buddy.

Did you date in university? What is your advice to freshmen about dating?

Meghan: I do have a boyfriend that I met the first week of school. We quickly became friends and have been dating throughout the year. I wouldn't advise against dating someone your freshman year. Just make sure that you have other friends as well.

Hannah: I started dating someone about a week after I got to university and it was a bad idea. We jumped into it because it felt good at the time but it turned out I wasn't all that he wanted. After that I didn't date anyone, but I definitely had my eye on lots of people (and literally nothing happened). It's kind of fun having lots of crushes on people but for the love of God, don't fall for a senior. Trust me, it's no fun.

Emily: I didn't date anyone in college, though I did find that guys in collage are much more confident in talking to me and reaching out to get to know me. Some of my friends dated in collage and I learned a few things from observing their relationships. One major piece of advice I can offer to people getting into relationships in college is not to force a serious relationship. Most of the relationships I saw form started very quickly and lasted for a very short amount of time. People didn't really get to know each other before becoming an official couple, and it seemed they just wanted to have a significant other so they forced a relationship. It often ended quickly and badly, adding extra stress and distractions to their busy, hectic lives. The most important thing to remember is that you are at college to improve yourself and learn the skills to become a successful, happy person. It is important to focus on you and only you, and not become reliant on others. Be your own independent person first, and if the right person comes around that doesn't hinder your personal growth and individuality, that's great, but always put yourself first.

Meredith: I had no luck in the dating department so I can't be of much help.

MD: No, maybe next year. This year it was more important to adjust to college life and make a lot of friends. Me? I don't know anything about dating! But if someone has advice for me I'd love to here it.

Tiana: I actually maintained a long (or medium?) distance relationship with my boyfriend from back home, whom I've been dating for roughly two years now. It was both harder and easier than I imagined in certain ways; easier to not miss him because I had so many distractions, but harder than I thought to communicate easily. My friends dated and had a lot of fun. I think freshman year is a perfect time to have fun dating, as long as you settle in and ensure you're emotionally ready first.

E: No, I didn't find anyone all that interesting and I didn't really want to my first year. Background checks. LOL.

Abbey W: I have dated. Make sure to take a few weeks or months to get to know the person before dating them.

Gabrielle: Kinda. Eh, it's a waste. There's so much more to do.

R: Oh my gosh, don't date someone within the first week. I saw so many people do that from my dorm and it did not end well. With that said, I did start dating someone within the first semester. However, I was not looking for a relationship. It just happened. University is the opportune time to focus on yourself. Meet new people and make friends. If one of those friends end up being a love interest of yours, take it slow. I know it's cheesy, but if it's meant to happen, it will.

How did your relationship with your parents change when you went to university? What is your advice to freshmen about parents?

Meghan: I came to appreciate everything my parents did for me throughout my life that I was now doing on my own at school. I think I became closer with my parents because I can now see closer to their point of view of things and I had plenty of time to miss them while I was away.

ER: I don't think my relationship changed all that much; instead of talking to my mom about my daym I just texted her as stuff happened. My dad and I just picked up where we left off whenever I came home. My advice is to stay in touch and even if you don't go home for every small break, go home at least once because they miss you probably more than you miss them.

Hannah: I didn't talk to my parents as much as I probably should have but nothing really changed. My sisters are nicer to me though. Now that I'm gone they all realize how much they miss me. I guess my family in general is a bit nicer knowing how much my first year art program whipped my butt. My advice? I don't know. I don't have a super close bond with my family but we're not distanced from ourselves either. I guess talk to them as much as you feel you need to.

Emily: My relationship with my parents didn't really change. I talked to my mom almost daily and it was different while I was there, as I didn't see them every day. I was surprised to discover that when I went home everybody went back to normal, like I hadn't left at all.

Meredith: My relationship with my parents didn't change much, since we've always been close, but I found I had been relying on them a lot more than I thought I was, and had to call them up often for advice.

MD: I don't really think it changed, I'm closer to my dad since we don't see each other every day, I appreciate them a bit more I guess, but everything feels the same.

Tiana: My relationship with my parents didn't change much. I'm not sure if I have much advice on this topic in particular.

E: My parents got a little clingy because I'm the first one out.

Abbey W: My relationship with my parent is strongest at university, because we love to hear from each other, but we don't argue about little things.

Gabrielle: Not much.

R: I feel like our relationship got a lot better since we weren't getting on each other's nerves all the time.

Are you returning to university this year? If so: Are you changing major or room mate? What is your expectations for the coming year?

Meghan: I am returning to Syracuse University this fall to begin my sophomore year. My major remained the same but I will have a new roommate for next year. I expect to build on the relationships I made my freshman year and stock up on knowledge in my field.

ER: I am returning to university and am actually commuting, which will make for an interesting change. I am planning on only taking classes for my two majors next year, so it will be a lot of hard work but fun!

Hannah: I am returning to university; I am not changing my major; I am changing my roommate. My expectations? I'm so excited! My roommate is going to be my best friend that I made this year; I'm living in a building with a stove; almost all of my friends are living on the same floor; my building is very close to my favorite dining hall; I'll be learning how to blow glass this year; I'll be learning more about the art media that I like best; and I just get to be back in Alfred! I have high expectations for this year.

Emily: I am returning to the university this year. I am rooming with one of my friends I met my first year and and staying in the same major. I was hesitant to come back, as the fine arts program of freshman year was the most stressful and hard thing I've ever gone through. I also didn't like a lot of the things I learned and did, and felt a lot of it was a waste of time. I am returning to the same major because I believe that this year will be a lot different than the freshman program. This year I got to choose what I took, and don't feel I will be wasting my time on things I will never use in the future. I like the school, and the people in it, and am optimistic about this year.

Meredith: Next year I'll be focusing more on finding a major, now that I've oriented myself.

MD: I'm coming back to AU the second they let me come back. I have the same major and I wanted the same room mate too but she won't be coming back. Next year I'm going to have a better routine and I will have everything more organized.

Tiana: I'm looking forward to this year! My roommate is one of my closest, new friends from college, and I'm really happy to be rooming with her. I've made lots of friends that I will be able to visit easily. I think it'll be a lot of fun. :)

E: I'm changing roommates because I hated my one last year. I'll be rooming with a friend and I expect it to be much better.

Abbey W: I am returning to university. I am switching roommates for personal reasons, but we're still great friends. I expect this year to be just as fantastic as last!

Gabrielle: No. I loved it, but would rather be working.

R: I am returning. I expect to be more stressed than last year, but even more motivated to succeed (hopefully).

Is there anything else you'd like to say or other advice you have for freshmen?

Hannah: Learn how to balance fun and work. Get sleep when you can. Don't forget to eat! Don't forget to floss! Time management is key! Do your work!! Do the readings. Write the essays. Enjoy the food, or hate it. Spend time with the people who care about you. Get out of your dorm and experience college. Go to financial aid if you have any questions. Buy textbooks from Amazon or thriftbooks.com. Don't go into college with your expectations too high or too low. Don't play music in the shower if someone else already is! It's rude. Join clubs that interest you. Remember to change your sheets, and do your laundry. And the most important piece of advice I can give you, and I cannot stress this enough: Be considerate of other people.

Meredith: Make use of the resources available to you. Everyone is there to help, and you might find yourself surprisingly glad you asked.

MD: You only have four years in college, don't waste a second of it. This is your time, make it great.

Tiana: Have fun!

Abbey W: Don't be afraid to get involved in clubs!

Gabrielle: Have fun. Be safe. Create. But don't forget, you're still paying for all this, so don't just screw around. Monitor yourself.

R: You don't have to look your best everyday. No. One. Cares. Everyone's tired and just wants to be comfy for class. It'll save you so much time to wake up and put on simple clothes.

We hope this series helped you to feel just a little more prepared for the coming year. Or if you’ve already made it through freshman year, maybe you’ve had some similar experiences. I’d like to give a huge thank you to all of my friends and classmates that contributed their experiences and advice to this piece, and of course a thank you to you, for listening.