1. Save your money:

You have no idea how much you’ll need it throughout the year. Mindless spending will come back to bite you, trust me.

2. Get involved on campus:

Believe it or not, you’ll have a lot of free time on your hands, so go get involved! It’s a great way to meet new friends who are interested in the same things that you are.

3. Work out and eat healthy:

Personally, I underestimated the impact that this would have on me, but the lack of a healthy lifestyle makes you feel lethargic and overall crappy.

4. Don’t let your sleep schedule get out of hand:

I learned the hard way that once a sleep schedule is messed up, it is hard to fix. I am still falling asleep at three in the morning and going the entire day exhausted. Don’t. Do. It.

5. Develop relationships with your professors and advisors:

Going to a relatively small school, this was pretty easy and very effective. Professors want to help you understand what they are teaching, and they want you to get a good grade in their class.

6. Go to class:

Skipping class leads to missing material that is taught in class, which leads to being super confused about the material. It really isn’t worth it unless it is totally necessary.

7. Don’t be afraid to go outside of your comfort zone:

Making new friends at school is super easy when you think about it. Everyone is in the same boat as you: new place, new people, new everything. Be yourself and you are bound to find people who you click with!

8. Use what the school offers you:

Whether it is transportation, tutors, a writing center or counseling, every school offers a variety of free assistance to help you with your transition into school and everything that you need while you are there.

9. Become familiar with your town/city:

A new place can be a little bit intimidating, but if you get out and explore your surroundings, you’ll be able to find places to go, places to eat and many activities to do while at school!