Ah, college. Truly the land of the free. No one, not even our parents, could have prepared us for the social onslaught that is college life. Here are three things to keep in mind during times of anxiety and pressure throughout the semester.

“Call me every night sweetie.” 

Famous last words of every worried, sobbing, empty nested mother on move in day of the college semester. When your freshman semester begins at that moment, calling your mother every night is undoubtedly the last idea on your mind. So many new people to meet, new environment, harder classes and most importantly; freedom. Such a beautiful seven letter word that represents a whole new beginning in a whole new life. Out of the house. Yes, no more “clean your room,” or “be in by midnight.”

However, believe me when I tell you that you will absolutely, at some point, need to call your parents. It’s okay to ask for help about events that are happening throughout this new life of yours. Do not feel obligated to do it on your own. Friends are a tremendous help and great to lean on in times of need, but there is nothing like the unconditional love and willingness to help than loving parents. Sometimes just hearing a loved one's voice in this wasteland of anxiety and stress can be a huge help. And yes, even Thad called his mom during finals week.

You’re not going to get along with everyone.

No matter how hard I tried not to, I always offended someone. So. Much. Drama. Believe me when I say that it is unavoidable. So many developing young adults living together is bound to stir up the sensitivity pot. Not to mention the experience of living ten feet away from what is most likely a complete stranger for over nine months. It is very important to keep in mind that almost everyone around you in the dorms is new to this also. The best way to escape the never ending roller coaster of drama comes down to one idea; be patient with all of your peers. Like I said earlier, your peers have never done this either and many of us still have a lot of figuring out to do with ourselves. This leads to rampant insecurity and a whole lot of social pressure. Not everyone handles new experiences in the same way. Just be patient with everyone and for the most part drama will avoid you, but expect some instances in your first year where you cannot help the fact. Don’t let this get you down. It’s normal.

Eat In.

One of the things my parents, friends, and family always used to talk about in regards to college was the freshman fifteen. If you live on campus then you definitely have a meal plan (required by the university). At first, the dining hall seems like an incredible buffet that you, yes you!, will be able to enjoy every single day. Now, I know that our dining hall is really trying to jump on this health train and they serve up wonderfully healthy options every day, but don’t expect to find something for you there every day. And the days when they serve up greasy, fried goodness, go light on the amount you shovel onto your plate.

The most important thing I can tell you though is simple; don’t start eating out when you get sick of the dining hall. Yes, even the wonderful array of foods found in the dining hall will get old. But if you fall into the habit of eating at fast food joints and chain restaurants, it will be hard to dig yourself out of that hole, and your body won’t be too happy with you either. If you stick to your meal plan (which you paid a fortune for) you will save your body and wallet a lot of stress. Even if it means getting a salad when there isn't anything that strikes your palate, do it. You can avoid the freshman 15.

College can be scary at times. For all of us. But the most important thing to remember is that you are not alone. As the weeks go by, everything will start to fall into place and our natural rhythms will soon take over our daily routine. Friends, family, and even teachers will always be there to help you. Don’t be afraid to ask for it.