So, Summer is coming to an end and classes are starting soon.

It's the first time you will be living on your own. You are told college courses are supposed to be more difficult than your previously known high school classes. None of your friends followed you to college, so you have to make all new friends, and you have to balance out your school life, work life, and social life.

And, mom is nowhere to be found.

Here is a list of tips that will help you crush your first year of college.

1. Don't be too Cool for Welcome Week

Welcome Week is perfect because it is the one time of the year where everyone is looking to make new friends. It can be difficult to meet people in college, so the fact that the schools plan a bunch of social events really helps you find your group. It is also okay to go to events alone just keep an open mind and be confident in yourself.

2. Ask for Phone Numbers

Getting people's phone numbers is the greatest way to grow your friend group. Once all of the pool parties die down you are going to want a friend you can get food with. By getting that contact info you will be able to reach out to those awesome new friends you made. When classes start it’s always good to have a few friendly faces to make those first day of school nerves disappear, and it’s nice to have classmates you can collaborate with or ask for help. Because let's be honest, the professor is not going to respond right away. And once, you get their phone number, add a little description of where you met. You're meeting a lot of people it's hard to remember that stuff!

3. It's Okay to Walk Alone

I know in high school it was weird to walk to the bathroom without your best friend. But in college, first of all, no one cares if you walk alone. It actually shows that you're confident on your own two feet. And secondly, you’re never going to meet new people if you are hiding in your room all day. So, if you're hungry go get food on campus, you might meet a friend in line. If there's a game of sand volleyball going on, ask to join. Don’t be afraid to be yourself. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at the number of people who will gravitate towards your confidence. You are an amazing person, so wear that statement proudly! Once you realize that the people around you will too.

4. Communicate with Your Professors

You don't have to be a teacher's pet, but make sure you communicate and respect your professors. Because even though a social life is fun, you are still working for a degree. Some professors can be confusing and difficult to understand so by reaching out and asking questions you show that you care about your work. It's also important to realize that these professors were once students as well. They understand what you are going through and while they may seem intimidating, they're just people. Don't be afraid to ask questions during class, after class, or by shooting an email. If talking to your professor doesn't help seek out a classmate, student teacher, or a tutor. I promise it will help release some unnecessary stress, plus you're never left wondering if you could have tried harder.

5. Respect your Roommate

You might get super lucky and become best friends with your roommate. But odds are, you will face roommate conflict at some point during the year. That being said, how you handle it is crucial. Try not to spend every waking moment with your roommate, because at some point, you will get annoyed with them. Respect your roommate! You share the same living space, so if you wouldn't want her clothes on your side of the room, then she probably doesn't either. Put yourself in their shoes. And lastly, communicate! Communicate expectations early on before a problem arises. And if something starts bothering you, communicate that to your roommate in a kind and peaceful way, otherwise it's only a matter of time before you explode with anger.

6. Use a Calendar

Time management might be your greatest strength or biggest downfall. Find a way that works for you to keep track of your life. Otherwise, you might encounter some problems such as missed deadlines and assignments. Friendships could be hurt from broken commitments. And, I'm pretty sure your boss won't be happy either if you forget about a shift. So, get a planner…and USE it. Write events on a calendar in your room. Or, use the calendar on your smart phone, and make sure it alerts you twice before the event or assignment. Trust me it works.

7. You do not Need a Relationship

Yes, dating is fun and there is a ton of new people you have never met before. But please don't go looking for a relationship as soon as school starts. Enjoy the freedom of meeting new people, living your own life, and trust me you do not need additional stressors such as a relationship on top of all of the stress with school. College is supposed to be fun, so don't fall for the first person who shows you attention. But, if you met Prince Charming then, by all means, go for it. Just maybe take it slow.

8. Don't Stress About Tomorrow

You will encounter some difficult situations in college. And, that's okay. I mean it will definitely suck, but everyone faces obstacles. So find people on campus you can talk to because chances are they have either gone through the same conflict or something similar. YOU ARE NOT ALONE. So don't spend your entire college experience constantly worrying about tomorrow.

“So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today.” Matthew 6:34 NLT.

Life will get hard at times, but you shouldn't spend today worrying about when that will come. You can't control what happens tomorrow, but you can choose to make the most of today.

Yes, college will be difficult. But, if you follow these tips you might just find that college is going to be the best time of your life. You only go this way once, so CHOOSE to make it great.