My freshman year of college was one of the most difficult years of my life for so many reasons, the worst of which, was being far away from home. Everything was really different from home and I missed my family and friends. I desperately wanted to get back to everything that was familiar. To keep my mind busy, I kept this list of college tips to prevent future freshman from going through the same struggles I had.

1. Don’t take your temperature every time you think you have a fever: study on and don’t lament about it.
2. If you have a religious background, don’t be afraid to go to the Newman/Campus Ministry Center, but don’t feel obligated to stay if it doesn’t feel right for you.
3. If your room is cluttered and messy, your brain will feel the same way.
4. Going to the gym is a great stress reliever and it gives you the chance to clear your head. You may also meet some fun, new people.
5. It’s not impossible to eat healthy!
6. But don’t be afraid to reward yourself with a little bit of chocolate at the end of a long day.
7. You may not be best friends with your roommate: accept it and move on.
8. Most people don’t come from the same background as you.
9. Keeping a mini pharmacy in your room is a great idea, and you’ll make friends from having it.
10. Procrastinating in college has worse effects than procrastinating in high school. Do it now or you’ll regret it.
11. Hard work really does pay off and it will make you feel good about yourself.
12. Going to sleep at 2 a.m. on a school night isn’t “fun” or “noble.” It’s annoying as anything and you’ll hate yourself for it when you have to wake up for that 8am class.
13. There’s no shame in meeting with or emailing your professors to make sure you’re on track for class.
14. If they’re offering free shirts, go.
15. If they’re offering free food, go.
16. Keep track of how much money you spend and remember that off campus stores won’t always accept your meal plan: that money is coming out of your own pocket.
17. You won’t like all of your professors and they may not all like you.
18. Just because someone’s title is “Dr.” that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re smarter than you or can teach well.
19. If you have some kind of real illness/injury, take care of it before it becomes a bigger problem.
20. Even though you spent all of high school making fun of those girls who wore leggings as pants, you’ll end up doing it too. The sooner you accept it, the better. They’re really comfy.
21. Sometimes people surprise you in the best of ways if you let them.
22. If you’re having a really rough week and are exhausted, it may be okay to sleep through your 8 a.m. gen ed: just don’t make it a habit and disregard if it’s the class before an exam.
23. It’s okay to ask for help when you need it.
24. Sometimes it’s better to be more cautious than reckless.
25. People come and go in waves. Don’t get too attached, but don’t assume they’ll be gone forever if they do leave.
26. You won’t always find someone who shares ALL of your beliefs and morals; that being said, stay true to what you believe in, but respect other people’s opinions.
27. Expect to have your patience tested daily.
28. Don’t worry if you fail a big test, annoy all your friends, and cry alone in your room—tomorrow is a new day full of new chances to take.
29. Don’t cry in your room by yourself. Cry on someone’s shoulder. If you don’t have a shoulder to cry on, call your mom or best friend.
30. Even potatoes find love.
31. Don’t fall asleep in public. If you DO fall asleep in public, make sure you have all of your clothes on.
32. Don’t drink anything out of the bottom of a can.
33. Don’t drink alone.
34. Make sure you get enough sleep the night before a big test.
35. You aren’t a real adult yet – take advantage of that.
36. Live in the moment.
37. Try not to take small things for granted.
38. There is an art form in hair curling, do not question it.
39. Hold on to the people who make you happy and let go of those who add nothing to your life.
40. Take pictures whenever you can.
41. Take walks around campus and enjoy the beautiful weather when you can.
42. Naps are the best gift you can give yourself.
43. You will have at least one meltdown during finals week, but that’s okay.
44. When move-out day comes, make sure you’re organized and on top of things. It will make everything much easier and it will prevent a lot of yelling/crying.
45. Don’t procrastinate big projects. No, really.
46. YouTube has a lot of guided meditation videos for sleep, anxiety, etc. Use them, they are wonderful tools and will help you a tremendous amount.
47. Buy and wear school apparel. It will make you happy and feel connected to your school.
48. Don’t be afraid to give someone a second chance, but don’t let them walk all over you.
49. Make sure you mentally prepare yourself for finals week or it will break your heart and soul.
50. Take advantage of the time you have when you go home.
51. Love every day you’re at college—it only lasts so long.