The big day is finally here. You're packing up your stuff and waving goodbye to all of your closest friends. You're also probably fighting back a few tears. As hard as it is to believe, you're finally a college freshmen. And before you know it, this campus that you've secretly gotten lost on more than a few times will be your home away from home. But this transition isn't always easy. Here's five pieces of advice for college freshmen trying to find their place in their new home away from home.

1. Don't go home (at least not for awhile)

Even when you're feeling super homesick, you have to make yourself stay at school. I know you think a quick visit home will make you feel better, but I can almost guarantee it will just make it worse. When I moved away my freshmen year, I honestly didn't struggle that much with being homesick. I was so excited about all the new things coming my way and because of my volleyball schedule, I didn't have time to go home anyways. However, when I went back to school after Christmas break, I had a much harder time. It was really hard to see all my friends and to be reminded of how much fun I have with them and then have to leave again. It was like getting a glimpse of everything you're missing when you're at school. I know it's hard at first, but trust me when I say you will find your place and your people if you just try to keep looking. And one crucial part of this search is staying at school long enough to allow the journey to run it's course.

2. Learn to cook

When I first got to college, I couldn't cook Kraft Mac N Cheese without over cooking the noodles every time. But now I am not shy about how good my cooking is and I also even enjoy it now. The biggest reason I made myself learn how to cook was because I missed home and my mom's cooking. So I had my mom start sending me very detailed recipes so that I could make some of my favorite meals. It's an easy thing, but it definitely made school feel more like home for me. Especially on those really long and cold winter days where all I wanted was a big bowl of my mom's chili. It might technically be my chili now, but I still feel the love and warmth of home in every bite.

3. When it comes to your roommate, learn to pick your battles

Unless you have siblings (and sometimes even that doesn't help), having a roommate will take some adjusting. Even if your roommate is your best friend, you guys will eventually disagree on something and even occasionally fight over the littlest things. Someone won't take out the trash and maybe someone won't put the dishes away. Suddenly, you realize that all those things your mom use to yell at you for doing (or more likely not doing) will annoy you, too. But one big thing to remember is that no one does anything to intentionally hurt or annoy the other. If your roommate eats some of your food, they probably honestly thought it was theirs. Or if they say something and it hurts your feelings, they more than likely did not think it would have that affect. Although it doesn't always feel like it, most people do not think the things they do or say will hurt someone else. That's why when it comes to having a new roommate, it's more important then ever to always treat them the way you would want to be treated. And when they do something you don't like, that is when you have to pick your battles. Really take the time to decide if this is a big enough issue that it's worth bringing up. Or if it's something small enough that you can just take care of it yourself. And if you decide that it is small enough, than that's it. Let it go. Don't keep that issue in your back pocket so you can bring it up whenever you and your roommate have your next disagreement. It's not easy, but learning to not sweat the small stuff is one of the easiest ways to have not only a happier apartment or dorm, but a happier life in general.

4. Call your parents

I know you're thinking "but I just got away from them", but you're going to miss them more than you think. And if you think you miss them a lot, just try to imagine how much they miss you. Your parents spend a majority of their time doing things that will help you. They may be working extra just so you can go to this new school. And even when you're away, they're still thinking of you at all times. Up until this point, you're parents have done a lot of the behind the scenes hard work for you, but now it's your turn. I'm sure deciding this was the college you wanted to be at was probably the biggest decision you've made in your life so far. But gear up because that was just the beginning and I'm sure you're parents even helped you make that decision. But now it's up to you. Your parents will always be there to help and support you. And when they say they're only a phone call away, they mean it. So call them. Let them know how you're doing and what you think of this new place. It doesn't have to be everyday. It doesn't even have to be every week! But just the occasional hello and I miss you guys will make their day and probably make yours, too. They may not physically be with you anymore, but calling your parents and reminding yourself that they aren't as far away as you think, can make college a little less scary.

5. Most importantly, remember that you do fit in here

I know making new friends can seem nearly impossible at times, especially if you're going to a big school and none of your high school friends are going there, too. The college scene can be really fun. But it can also be really lonely. It is so easy to make friends if you just start going to parties every night and start drinking as much as you can. But those are the kinds of friendships you want. There is nothing wrong with partying if that is what truly makes you happy. However, for some people, the party scene just isn't their place. And that can make a person feel very alone and out of place, especially if you were lucky enough to have friends in high school who didn't go to parties either and never made you feel alone. When you're the only one not going out and drinking, it can really make you feel like you've chosen the wrong place. But the don't give into that. Don't let that peer pressure and those people telling you "but you'll make more friends if you come" or "just loosen up and have one drink" convince you that you need to change something about yourself, because you don't. I can almost guarantee that you are not the only one that doesn't want to go to that party everyone is talking about. But the problem is, no one wants to be the first one to speak up. You hear the phrase "but everyone is going" or "I don't want to be the only one not there" all the time. But if you don't go, then guess what, not everyone is going. And sure enough, someone else will probably decide to stay home too and now you're not even the only one. Don't contribute to the trend. Stick with what makes you happy and you might even help someone else do the same. And maybe that won't happen the first weekend. You might end up being the only one at home. But that might not be the case the next weekend or maybe even the weekend after that. But even if it is, you'll have something even more important than the drunk memories. You'll have the comfort of knowing that even though you're in this new world with all new people, one thing has remained the same. You. And in the end, nothing and no one will bring you more happiness than yourself.