College sucks. I think we have all figured that out by now. At first, everything was all unicorns and rainbows: free stuff, parties and football tailgates. Everybody was sunshine-y and happy. Now you're getting close to finals week and a wall of homework has surrounded you, estranging you from family and friends. Whether you are a brand new freshman or a senior just trying to make it to graduation, the stress gets to all of us. It feels like there’s a million things to do every single day and 24 hours is not nearly enough time to get it all done. It’s easy to feel like you’re drowning in a sea of textbooks, papers and empty coffee cups. As a freshman, I’m still learning the ropes to college life, but I’ve compiled a couple of tips that have really helped me this semester.

1. Make a list

One of the first things I do when I sit down to work on homework is make a list of all the assignments I have due that week. Even if it’s not due the next day, I write it all down. It helps me to be able to visualize everything that I need to get done. Plus, it gives you a little confidence boost every time you cross something off when you finish it.

2. Sleep is your best friend and worst enemy

ALL NIGHTERS ARE NOT YOUR FRIEND. While sometimes it is inevitable, not sleeping at all because you’re studying for a test you have the next day is not going to help your grade that much. It’s sad, but it’s the truth. College students like to think that they’re invincible, so sometimes we forget that we are also human. Try to get a reasonable amount of sleep every night. However, beware of those afternoon naps. Sometimes, that can backfire and leave you twice as tired and cranky as you were before you went to bed.

3. Walk away (for a little while)

If everything feels way too overwhelming and your head feels like it's about to explode, it is okay to take a break. Sitting there in frustration is a waste of your time and it's just going to make you feel worse. Take a walk around campus, listen to some music and just let yourself de-stress for a bit. It usually helps if you leave the room you've been studying in so you get a change in scenery. Take about twenty minutes, but not more than an hour. That will give you enough time to clear your head in order to get back to those books.

4. Change where you study

The area in which you study can really influence how productive you are and how fast you get frustrated. I have found that studying in my room doesn't work for me at all, so I've tried changing where I study during the week. Some residential halls have study rooms where you can claim a table and do your work. However, if you want something a little more secluded, try the library. There are certain areas of the library that are required to be silent. At the MD Anderson Library at the University of Houston, there are little individual study nooks behind the bookshelves where you can close the glass door and enjoy some peace and quiet while you work. It's become my favorite place on campus to study.

5. Call a friend from home

Being in college, especially if you are far from home, can make you feel isolated and quite lonely. While you do make many new friends, they may not know you as well as the friends you've had for years, but had to part with because of college. My best friend, Taylor, goes to Texas State University. Even though it is only three hours away, I miss her all the time. Whenever I am having a rough day, I call her so we can update each other about life in general and give each other a mood boost. Calling my mom is always helpful too. Your mom knows you better than anyone else and you can always trust her to have your best interests at heart. Talking to someone who cares about you may help you feel more at ease and they may help you see things in a more positive light.

6. Find something that is just for you

Sometimes, coming to college means we forget about our hobbies and the things we loved to do in order to focus on our futures. Make sure that you find time to do the things that make you happy, no matter how small. Maybe this means that you give yourself time once in a while to make yourself a cup of tea and read a good book. Maybe it means that you find time to walk to the recreational center and find an empty room to dance in. Maybe it could be as simple as opening up a Word document and just typing out everything that is troubling you. Find something you can use as your own creative outlet that you can find refuge in when you need a safe space away from all things academic.

7. Breathe. You are meant to be here and you will find your way.

It's easy to forget sometimes that all of our hard work does mean something. Despite the frustrations and challenges we may face, we are all working towards our own futures. College is a great place to learn about yourself and grow as person. The stress is making us stronger and preparing us to be competent adults. Whether you are a STEM, liberal arts, business, or any other kind of major, we are all working hard to build the foundation for the rest of our lives. So take care of yourself and go kick college's butt.