After completing my first year at a University, I can gladly say that I am no longer a freshman (even though I am technically considered a junior). Throughout the past year, I have ran into a few situations that only occur once you're a freshman in college and they could've been avoided if I knew about them previously... But, here are a few things that you MUST know before coming to college.

1. Don't get a credit card

Just don't do it. It's not worth the hassle that comes with it, and if you already have one, leave it at your house. In college, there is so much temptation to buy things that you honestly don't even need. Like a new desk chair, shoes, clothes, etc. Having the credit card in your hands tempts you. I have never personally owned one, but witnessing someone go crazy on buying things when they don't even have the money to begin with is a sight so see.

2. "Free" is just a scam

We all know that during move-in week and syllabus week there seems to be a lot of free stuff, and "free" is a college student's favorite four-letter "F" word! But, I must advise from anything that has an asterisk next to the word. Especially if it's a company that isn't already on campus. Back to the credit card thing, either make sure you have the expenses, or just steer clear of the booth no matter how many shiny new water bottles or frisbees they have.

3. Clubs make the world go 'round

My biggest challenge while moving in and getting adjusted to campus was that I wanted to be a part of everything on campus. I wanted to be a part of clubs all across the spectrum ranging from weightlifting club to the Quidditch Team. They told me to sign up for a lot of stuff and comb through what I think I could manage as the semester went on, but, in all honesty, sign up for things you think you can manage right off the bat so you don't feel pressured to go to 17 clubs meetings during syllabus week. Who knows, your interests may even change throughout the year.

4. Studying the back of your eyelids doesn't count

When it comes to studying, I didn't really do a lot of it during my first semester, and the little bit I did wasn't all too effective because I can't tell you a single thing that I learned besides the mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell. Managing your time may be one of the most time consuming tasks possible as a freshman, but once you learn how to effectively do that, you'll be golden. Know the difference between free time and study time.

5. Buy a planner

Seriously, do it. No, not the crappy cheaply made ones that they give out during the first two weeks of school (I threw mine out the day after I got it). Buy a legitimate planner. You can even go the extra mile and get your name engraved on it, if you feel so inclined. Just buy a planner and write everything possible in it. It was one of the most important and effective ways that I learned how to manage my time this semester, whether it be just for studying or for personal use. Write. Everything. Down.

6. Yes, you can pet the dogs on campus

Time after time I see people talking with one another talking about how "cute" a dog is or how much they want to pet it but they're afraid it'll bite them and whatnot. Just as a heads up, if someone didn't want other people to pet their dog, I don't think they would've brought it to a college campus to begin with. You can pet the dog, you may still want to ask the owner anyways.

7. Yes, go to your class today

Believe me, the fall is a rough time of year to find motivation. Gloomy weather and winter approaching around the corner, it seems to be impossible to find the motivation to roll out of bed and not gorge on Doritos and watch Netflix all day. Besides, you never know what you're gonna learn that day in class, even if it does seem "pointless" or "stupid", one class that I had during the fall semester gave us all As when 50 percent or less of the class showed up. So you never know what you'll miss if you don't go! Plus, it's good to keep a good GPA!

8. Finally, don't spend your meal-plan money in the first week

I made the mistake of using all of my $1200+ meal plan in pretty much the first few weeks of school and, I must say, having to reload it time after time gets pretty annoying. I ended up having to live off of Apple Jacks and Ramen for half of November and the beginning of December. Don't live off ramen. Take at least one meal a day to eat in your room or take your lunch with you if you have classes on the opposite end of campus like myself. It may seem antisocial, but it will pay off.

In full retrospect, these may all seem like brainless tasks, and some of them seem kind of ridiculous. But trust me, with all of the things that are going on during your first semester/year in college, a lot of this slips your mind. It definitely slipped mine more than a few times! Being a freshman in college isn't easy, but if you follow my advice, it'll make things a little easier for you.