College can be strenuous AF. You’re new on campus, trying to get a feel for your new home away from home, adjusting to the dorm life, trying to figure out if your roommate is going to be the seed of chucky, thinking of what organizations you want to join, what parties to go to, trying to become accustomed to your academic life, and that’s just the tip of the ice berg all while trying to attain a 4.0.

Learning to balance the college life isn’t something you’ll get on the first go round. You probably won’t learn the ropes until your second semester, but this listicle will surely guide you in the right direction.

1. Get involved on Campus.

This means join clubs, intramural sports, fraterneties, etc. All the knowledge in the world won't help you if you come out of college with no experience or professional relationships.

2. Bring enough clothing to school with you that you can go two weeks between washings.

This will save you money in the long run. Not only that, but it will limit you bringing items you clearly don't wear anymore.

3. If youre having issues with your roommate:

Talk to them. Don’t let them build up to the point where you cant stand each other.

4. Get to know your professors.

College is just about as about networking as it is about sitting in class. Plus, most of them are bored out of their minds during office hours.

5.Realize that you are an adult now.

just because you don’t have to go to work for eight hours a day doesn’t mean you shouldn’t act like it. Be professional.

6. Don’t study in your room.

If you’re anything like me, being anywhere near my bed while I'm studying just invokes me to sleep. Try studying at the library, or somewhere outside.

7. Discover a great note-taking system that will most suite you in the classroom.

This isn't high school where your instructors might wait a minute for you to write down an entire slide. Learn to paraphrase and learn great study skills from a tutor, because your professors will zoom past information whether or not you've wrote it down.

8. Never underestimate the value of a care package from mom.

You will be surprised at how overly prepped and thoughtful your mother has become since you've been away from the nest.

6. Get an internship the summer after your sophomore year.

You’ll get professional relationships early on, and it will make it easier to get another internship next semester.

7. Keep a journal if you can.

Mark the memories. It'll be great to reflect on this experience years from now.

8. Be confident.

Get out of your comfort zone, and try new things.

9. Always go to class.

While sometimes you simply wont be in the mood to actually sit in a room for an hour and a half, attending class is essential, because you’ll never know what type of crucial information your professor will drop.

Nonetheless, make the most of your freshmen year in college. This is the first step of many into your new adult world.