It’s back to school season! I can’t believe it’s here already. As kids go back to school and college students make their way back to campus, I can’t help but think about a year ago, when I was preparing for my first year of college. In that mindset, here are a few pieces of advice for any freshman preparing for their first semester.

Tip #1: Study. A lot.

I think one of the biggest adjustments from high school to college is less class time. Freshman often get caught up in thinking less class time means less school time (myself included), but that’s not accurate. Yes, you’re spending less time in class, but less class time means more study time. The formula I like to go by is to divide my credit hours in half: that’s how much time I should be studying each week. For fall semester, I have 16 credit hours. Therefore 8 hours a week should be dedicated to homework and studying.

Tip #2: Don’t buy your books before syllabus week.

This was some advice I was given before my first semester, and I would like to impart it to the next freshman class. The thing about college classes is that you don’t always need the book. Or, in my case, the professor gave us a free code for the book. So if I had bought the book early, I would have been out $150. Sometimes you can return them, but I say just save the hassle and buy them syllabus week. Most professors expect you to do this anyway.

Tip #3: Don’t spend too much time at parties.

One of the best parts of going away to school is freedom. That first taste of freedom is oh so sweet. However, it’s hard to balance that freedom sometimes. Partying is fun, and if you chose to participate, that’s great. If you chose to skip it, that’s also great. Either way, make sure you do the best you can to balance your time. Set rules and boundaries for yourself, and stick to them. Otherwise you’ll find yourself lying in bed the next day when you should be in class or at work, and that has consequences of its own.

Tip #4: The library is your friend.

I personally don’t really like going to the library. I like sitting in my bed to study, or just using my desk in my room. The problem is that I get easily distracted, especially in a less-than-studious environment. If you’re like me, set yourself up for success and just make the walk to the library. By putting yourself in the right environment, you’re more likely to accomplish your tasks. And there’s nothing better than being able to sit back and relax instead of stressing about an assignment I can’t focus on.

Tip #5: Keep in touch with your family.

I never understood kids wanting to just run from home as fast as they could the second they could. I’m very close with my family, and it sucks every time I have to leave them. I talk to my mom at least once every 2 days, but more often than not, every day. We just send a few texts here and there, but it helps with any homesickness or loneliness. It feels normal, even though I’m 3 hours away. Plus there are some things you just have to share.