I can officially say my freshman year is over.

As I have stated in previous articles I have learned a few things during my time in college. I figured I would make a list of somethings I have learned and hopefully pass my ‘knowledge’ to incoming freshman. Here are just 5 important things I learned:

1. Avoid 8 am classes at all cost!!!

I am serious. Don’t play yourself and sign up for them because you think you can do it. I promise you are setting yourself up for failure because after the first week or two getting up to go to that class will be the hardest thing you will have to do. (Oh, and most 8 am professors are jerks and have really strict attendance policies.)

2. Make friends in your classes.

Talk to the people sitting next to you because you are stuck with them for the next 15 weeks. Something I noticed fall semester is how easily guys can talk to one another. Two complete strangers can sit to each other and instantly become bros. This is something I tried during the second semester and I have made so many more friends. Plus, these new-found friends come in handy when you need notes because you skipped class.

3. Go out with your friends!

It can be “night life” downtown, a fraternity party, or just lunch, but get out and make memories. My best memories from this year have come from spending time with friends. Live it up and remember it is acceptable to go downtown any night of the week!

4. With that in mind… don’t forget the reason you are there.

I know this is not fun to think about, but the whole reason behind going to college is to learn. College is a lot different than high school in both good and bad ways. It is nice because you typically do not have all the busy work, but on the flip side that eliminates that buffer for your grade that you are use too so everything counts! This might mean skipping a few parties to study, but it will be worth it in the long run (or at least that is what I am told).

5. Do not be afraid to go to professor’s office hours!

Being a major kiss ass, this is something I quickly learned not to be intimated by. If you are struggling in a class the professor will be more willing to work with you if you come in as soon as you notice the problem rather than a week before the class is over. Extra credit still exists in college so do not be afraid to ask! Putting forth effort to ‘try’ and improve your grade will help get you in good with the professor and they will be more mindful when putting in final grades! Take it from someone who has done it every semester.

College is what you make it. I just hope these 5 tips help your freshman year go as well as mine did! I truly believe college is the best four years of your life. You worked so hard to get into college, now is the time to slightly apply the brakes and enjoy life a little!