You've graduated high school and you're packing to go to college. You're about to live away from home for the first time.Here are 9 tips on how you can survive and thrive in your new environment.

1. Pack lots of pictures from home.

As you're deciding how many jackets you need to pack and whether or not you really need your old stuffed animal in your new dorm, don't forget to pack all your pictures. Whether they are framed or stuffed in an old shoe box you will cherish pictures of your beloved family, long-time friends, and all the memories you're leaving behind. Especially when you are battling a severe case of homesickness. Homesickness will eventually come and those pictures can help remind you of home in all the good ways.

2. Tell your parents you love them.

In the coming weeks, you will probably catch your mom clutching your old baby blanket when she thinks you're not looking or your dad looking sad every time you mention move in is looming. They have prepared for this day as long as you've been alive but that doesn't make it any easier sending their baby away to school. Make it a little easier on them and tell them how much you love and appreciate them.

3. Keep in touch with your hometown friends

You will meet lots of new people and have amazing new adventures but try not to forget the people that grew up with you and helped shape you into who you are. Just because you aren't living a couple miles apart anymore doesn't mean you can't still be best friends. And besides no one else saw your awkward braces and acne phase of middle school. You can't let someone that stood by you through that get away.

4. Get involved!!!

Please note the exclamation points. Getting involved is a vital part of making the college experience everything you deserve! I know it's hard to put yourself out there but it can be the difference between the best and worst 4 years of your life. Join the paper, a sorority or fraternity, a club, an honor society, volunteer, go to games or events. Join or get involved with one thing and it will make all the difference in the world, I promise.

5. Spend your money wisely.

There is a reason the college diet mostly consists of ramen and spaghetti-os and its not cause we like how it tastes. A lot of us can't afford much more. It's expensive not having a home cooked meal at home at night and eating Zaxby's instead. It's also expensive to get the cutest game day outfit that you just have to have. If you can, get a job and start saving. Make a plan for what you need and what you want to spend money on. Limit eating and drinking out. Try to spend wisely and it will make going out much more enjoyable when you aren't worried about every single penny you spend.

6. Meet a friend in every class.

I know this seems like a lot to ask of you, especially if you're shy. You have no idea the benefits of having someone in every class though to text if you're too sick and need the notes or need a study partner. If you have at least one person in all your classes you know you have someone to help you out if you need it. Also, those friends could become more than your study partners. I took this advice, met a friend in my biology class, and now we are moving in together and she is my best friend. You might get lucky like me and meet a life-long friend, and if not at least someone can tell you what you missed if you oversleep for class!

7. Take your classes seriously.

I'm sure you've heard this more than enough, but it is true. College is about learning who you are and having fun, but it's also about getting an education. Freshman are often overwhelmed with the course load and can't catch up. Sometimes they even fail a few classes their first semester. This puts them behind and is often the reason behind the 5th year or 6th year senior. College is hard but if you set your mind to it, take school seriously, and try you can definitely pass anything!

8. Keep an open mind.

College is about experimenting, learning who you are, and learning about the people around you. You can meet so many amazing people and have so many awesome experiences if you can keep an open mind. Everyone is different but we all want the same thing. We all want to be happy and have a great college experience and the best way to do that is to keep an open mind and try new things. Join your school's Quidditch team or become friends with someone who is studying abroad. Just keep an open mind and amazing experiences will definitely come your way.

9. Enjoy it.

College is supposed to be the best years of your life so let them. Don't freak out about not getting into the best sorority or not making an A on that paper. Relax. Watch Netflix with your best friend. Have an all night study session with your classmates. Go to baseball games. Tailgate. Join the paper. Take pictures of everything. Don't forget that time is fleeting and soon you will be senior wanting freshman year back just to relive it all again. Take it all in and enjoy!

Good luck class of 2021!