21 Things You Need To Know BEFORE Starting Your First Semester Of College

1. You will screw up but it’s okay!

Learn as you go and how to adapt. Making mistakes is part of college. I have learned more my first semester of college than I think I have all 18 years of my life, socially and academically.

2. Buy Spotify premium.

I promise this will be your best friend. Make a playlist themed for every mood and your days will be happier and more productive!

3. Join a club.

Figure out what you’re truly interested in and get involved with it. Not only will you want to participate, you’ll grow your network and your friend group, there is seriously no reason not to join!

4. Intramurals.

One, it’ll keep you a little more in shape than not participating. Two, more friends. It’s a win-win.

5. Make a workout plan around your classes.

Hate to break it to you but good luck finding the motivation to workout without a set time for it. Just make a space and your calendar and go.

6. Eat at least semi-healthy.

Not only will eating unhealthy contribute to the freshman fifteen, which is a real thing, but it will give you less energy and you will just not feel great. Be nice to your body.

7. RUSH!!!

How do you make friends? Going through recruitment gives you an automatic 200 friends. Why not take that opportunity and run?

8. Figure out how to do laundry.

A surprising amount of people really don’t know how to do their laundry. Maybe do a practice round before you’re stuck on your own.

9. Hang out with your floor.

Keep your door open and be the hangout room. You’re surrounded by people who could end up being life long friends. Dorms are a love-hate relationship so try to make it more love than hate.

10. Always be aware of your surroundings.

A college campus is a place of craziness. You really never what’s going to happen so just keep your eye out for anything out of the ordinary.

11. Procrastination is a disease.

I’m not going to say don’t procrastinate because that just will not happen. I will say try to keep procrastination to a minimum because one second you will feel like you’re ahead of the game and the next, you’ll have three exams and a paper due tomorrow.

12. Go to class.

Get the easy participation points. The professor might actually know what they're talking about a little bit which will most likely work in your favor when the test rolls around.

13. Call your mama.

Tell your mom what you had for lunch because she’s probably wondering.

14. Buy a good winter coat.

I don’t know about you but I’m feeling [freaking cold] , everything will be alright if [it keeps me nice and warm].

15. Take pictures.

Add everything, literally everything to your Snapchat memories because looking back at them is so fun. And think, in ten or fifteen years, they’ll still be there to look at!

16. Go to games.

Especially at a Big 10 school, games are the freaking best! Football tailgates are number one, but go check out the basketball and baseball games because you can and they're cheap when you’re a student.

17. Step out of your comfort zone.

Get uncomfortable and try new things. This is the time to do it!

18. Go home.

Visit home because sleeping in your own bed is the best feeling ever and home cooked meals make the stay even better.

19. Be social.

Go out and have fun. You are in college!

20. Stay hydrated.

Water makes everything cleaner and healthier - your brain, your skin, everything.

21. Keep your eyes on the prize.

You are here for school. Use the degree at the end of it all as motivation to hammer through the hard stuff. You can do it, I believe in you, kid.