Incoming freshman to UCSB: welcome to the best four years of your life. You are young, live on a beach, and attend one of the top public schools in the country (number eight to be exact). Getting to know Isla Vista and UCSB can be intimidating, as it seems like there are so many things that every one just knows about. I am here to help. Think of me as your own college guru, and listen to my comprised do's and don'ts of freshman year at UCSB.

DO: Get a bike.

Probably the most important "DO" on this list that you will read. I know that other colleges it may seem lame to have a bike, but at UCSB it is lame to not have a bike. Campus is huge, and bikes outnumber students here. You will thank me later when you have 10 minutes to get from Campbell Hall to IV Theater. Or, even more, if you live in FT.

DON'T: Wear your lanyard out in IV.

Unless you want to stamp a giant "I'm a freshman" stamp on your forehead, ditch the lanyard if you're going out in IV. You have pockets for a reason, use them.

DO: Get involved!

I'm sure you've heard this a million times, but your college experience is 100% what you want to make of it. A huge campus and student population like UCSB can make it seem scary and a little intimidating. There are a million and one student organizations and a place for every one here, whether it's in a Greek organization, a student club, or student government.

DON'T: Wait until move in day to first talk to your roommate.

While the initial "Hi I'm your roommate" text or Facebook message may be awkward, try and make it happen before move in day, because I guarantee that going into move in day blind is exponentially more awkward. Like any first date, it's good to go into something big with some ground rules and ideas of things you can talk about. The only thing different is that this first date lasts for a whole year of your life, and if your lucky, more.

DO: Keep track of your money with apps.

Welcome to a new world of broke. Luckily, many apps are available to download that help students with keeping track of money and easy transfer payments within groups (aka no losing money, a college student's favorite thing to do). Download Tilt, nearly every one uses it to organize things like birthday parties, philanthropies, and concerts.

DON'T: Call Santa Catalina dorms anything but FT.

Formally known as Francisco Torres, Santa Catalina dorms will only ever be called FT. This one is another major "I'm a freshman" give away if you call them Santa Catalina. FT is short and sweet, and the proper way to say it.

DO: Make friends who live on campus.

For those living in FT, this one is especially important for you. While FT is undeniably the best dorm to live in freshman year (I may be biased), no one can deny that the trek from FT to campus (or vice versa) feels like a trek to Narnia. Whether it is a rainy day or after a long night out, having friend's rooms that you can crash in on campus is an extremely smart move.

DON'T: Ignore the syllabus.

While this isn't UCSB specific, it's relevant for all college students. We are blessed with Gauchospace, but there are some very special teachers who still do not use the website for their courses. When you have those cases, treat the syllabus like it is your right hand man, and do not lose or ignore it. You don't want to be the one person who walks into class unknown that you have a midterm or paper due.

DO: Sign up for CLAS.

If you are a STEM major, this tip is for you. Sign up for CLAS (Campus Learning Assistance Services) as soon as the class times go up. It's free, and probably one of the most helpful resources at UCSB. CLAS is a two time a week 50 minute add on to your additional lecture time, and for me and many others was what singlehandely helped me pass my pre-req courses.

DON'T: Take your freshman year too seriously.

This one is cliche, but important nonetheless. Freshman year is your year to go out, be reckless, and still have an excuse for doing so. Going into my junior year, I could not tell you how much jealously I have towards the free mindset of freshman. I'm not saying to completely ignore your classes or stop studying all together, but do go out and experience your freshman year. You're about to enter some of the best four years of your life at the most beautiful campus ever (they fly by), so get excited and start it right.