A new semester approaches and for some of us at smaller schools are preparing for rush, with anxious hearts and minds. Rush can be a stressful time of confusion, but it is also one of the most satisfying experiences. Whether you decide to join a club or not, going through the rush process can be one of the most beneficial part of your college experience. Here are 5 things you need to know going into the coming semester.

1. Be Yourself.

Cliche, I know. But rush is all about being yourself and finding girls that relate to you and your interests. It's so easy to fall into the trap of becoming someone you're not. Being surrounded by girls who you want to accept you can be a terrifying experience, but as long as you're your best self, you will find the girls who love you for you and you will find a group of girls that you won't know how you ever made it without them

2. Eat the food. It's free.

Free food. One of the best parts about the rush parties. I know maybe you're nervous, but don't be afraid to sample all of the goodies you are offered. You will experience everything from cheesecake to punch to ice cream floats. The food...you don't want to pass this one up.

3. Don't freak out. I promise everything will work out.

Whether you know what you want or you're completely torn. Don't make yourself sick over it. In the end, it's just rush. They're just normal girls like the rest of us that want you to find the place where you fit in best. It's easy to feel torn during this process, but as the week goes on I promise you will know where you need to be. Things have a way of falling into place and the best thing to remember during rush week is that by Saturday it will all be over and whether you decide to join a club or not, you will know you ended up where you are supposed to be and you will have walked away with so many new friends.

4. Buy the dress.

You know that new dress you wanted, but weren't sure if you really needed it? Buy it. Rush is the perfect opportunity to add to your wardrobe and purchase a new dress to show off at the beginning of a new semester. One of the fun parts about rush week is getting to dress up every night and bust out those new shoes you've been dying to wear. Gotta look good when making new friends amiright?

5. Your friends will still be your friends after rush.

The idea that you won't be friends with girls that decide to rush a different club than you is a total misconception. It's not true at all. #clublove is SO real. I'll be honest, pledge week, the week following rush week, is an awkward time. You're having so much fun getting to know the new girls in your new club, but it might mean less time spent with friends that went somewhere else. After this week, everything is back to normal. You can be friends with whoever you choose and are free to mingle with girls in every club. Just because you may choose to rush something that your friends don't doesn't mean the friendship is over, it might even make the friendship stronger.

Rush is so much fun. There's something to do every night of the week and new girls to meet at each party. Enjoy every minute and don't let your nerves and anxious mind get the best of you. Everything works out at the end of the week. No matter what, you will walk away with firm friendships and a love for some tasty new desserts. This week is about being yourself and discovering where you feel comfortable. Get excited for this week, it's one of the best!