Well, summer has flown by (like it usually does), and now your first year as a college Freshman is about to begin! HOW EXCITING! However, your first week can be really tasking and demanding: you’re probably meeting your roommate for the first time, unpacking all of your boxes, and feeling overwhelmed at the same time. DO NOT WORRY. I’m here to help your transition be that much easier. Follow these helpful tips to ensure your first week goes as smoothly as possible.

1. Do. Not. Overpack.

Trust me. I know it feels like you’re leaving your family for good and that you need to bring every last knick-knack to remind you of home. Give yourself time to adjust to your new surroundings. It’s easier to pack less and to bring what you know you must have to survive the first few days of class (laptop, chargers, your brain… you know, the essentials) than to haul all of these extra unnecessary items up those stairs or elevator to then have to carry them back down to your car to have your family take them back home. This saves time, energy, and a plethora of stress.

2. It’s not goodbye.

I know, the final goodbye to your parents and siblings feels as if you’ll never see them again. It’s hard facing the reality that you’re growing older and that life at “home” won’t be the same anymore. Don’t worry, you’re not saying goodbye forever. To help with this, call your families, video-chat, send letters, keep in touch. It helps to know that they’re still there, waiting for you to come and visit.

3. Your roommate will not always be your best friend.

It’s the hard truth. Sometimes you will not get along with your roommate, and this is completely normal. Not everyone will click with one another. Little things that the other person does that irk you turn into big things and soon you’re despising their very existence. This happens, and it did to me. College is about making choices for yourself. If you and your roommate both feel that you are not getting along as well as your other floor-mates, you can always ask to switch roommates.

4. Figure out a time when the showers will not be full.

At 7am and 9pm, the showers are ALWAYS PACKED. Think about it, this is the normal time you shower at home (usually). This is most likely the same time many other people shower. Figure out a shower schedule that works for you, and keep in mind the times the showers are used the most. In addition, please shower. I know college can be busy and stressful, but personal hygiene is a must. Do yourself and everyone around you a favor and take care of your body.

5. Parking is a challenge.

Walk to class if you live in the dorms. People who do not live on campus do not always have the luxury of walking to class. They need to park their cars. If you live on-campus, walk to class. Not only does it help other people, but you also get some exercise and walking can help relieve stress, too.

6. Everyone is just as nervous as you are.

Let’s face it, college is stressful, but fun. Believe me, everyone around you is just as nervous as you are. You are not alone. Make friends with people on your floor or in your classes, this helps with the nerves of adjusting to adulthood!

7. Be prepared for the 3am fire alarm.

There will be times living in the residence halls when you will be woken up in the middle of the night by alarms. These are inevitable. However, you can limit the number of these by READING THE DIRECTIONS ON THE EASY MAC.

8. Explore other floors in your residential hall.

Your floor, to you, might be the best floor in your residence hall. But, if you feel that you are not getting along with the people on your floor, go on an adventure. There are many other floors in your building, explore them. See if you can find a new friend or group of friends living on a different floor!

9. Breathe.

If you ever feel that the stress becomes too much, take a break, sit down, relax and breathe. Trust me, this helps relieve the nerves of transitioning into a Freshman in college. The first week of class can be especially stressful. To reduce the amount of stress you feel, take deep breaths to calm yourself down.

By keeping and utilizing these necessary tips, freshman year can start off with a bang. So, what are you waiting for? Get pumped — college is a fast and wild ride.