Now that Freshman year is over, it is time to adjust to the things Sophomore year is going to throw at you. Since most of you will start your major classes this year, now is the time to start piecing your life together. Here are a few steps to guide you.

1. Go out (a little) less

Let’s be honest. Most people freshman year go out a couple times a week, and if you are anything like me, you went out four times a week. Please listen when I tell you, you will not survive sophomore year living like you’re still a freshman. Period. No questions asked. Not only does the class work load become much heavier, but you’ve reached a point where it is time to start actually getting your shit together *sips wine*.

2. Study more, procrastinate less

Sophomore year is a year where you will not pass if you only study during your final exam week. Trust me. I have tried this and have not succeeded. So take my word for it and study. I know every single one of your professors will probably lecture you on procrastination and why to not do it. Believe it or not, this is when you should probably wake up and follow this piece of advice. Most of your assignments sophomore year will require more critical thinking as well as more effort, so don’t wait till the last minute.

3. Have wine nights—lots and lots of them

Hopefully I haven’t bored you enough with my dvice about studying. The moment you have hopefully all been waiting for… *drum roll* WINE NIGHTS. Very very important tool to be successful. Don’t get me wrong, studying is important, but so is to casually drink your stress away with your girlfriends. Go to Redbox, rent a movie, pick up your favorite Pink Mascoto, and invite your best girlfriends. Strongly recommend.

4. Fit some workouts into your schedule

Another fun fact about sophomore year: your all-you-can-eat dining hall food and heavy drinking is finally catching up with you. I am a strong advocate for body image positivity; however, you still need to treat your body right (apart from Marg Monday, Taco Tuesday, and Wine Wednesday of course ;-) The second semester of my sophomore year, I started regularly working out. Let me tell you this. Working out is the best thing that I could have done for myself. I became more confident, happier, and overall healthier.

5. Go on spontaneous road trips with your best friends

Here is another stress reliever that I highly recommend. Going on road trips is not only thrilling, but it gives you a healthy break from your college town. It is not only beneficially to your physical health, but also to your mental health. Don’t get me wrong, I love college, but getting a break from the people in your small college town is a total game changer.

6. Stay in close touch with your family

This is not just to make your family happy, but you never know when you’re craving your favorite dish from a family recipe, or if you just need a few extra bucks (sorry mom). After all, your family has been supportive of you your whole life, so why not show your gratitude by a simple phone call every now and then.

7. Get to know your professors on a professional level

Let’s cut to the chase...you never know when you’re going to need that letter of recommendation. Show some interest in the specific subject that your professor teaches, and you will be amazed with how much you can accomplish.

8. Fix your messed up sleeping schedule

Treat your body with respect and go to sleep at a somewhat appropriate time during the week. If you follow this advice, you will be amazed at how much better your Mondays could be. Of course no one can expect to get much sleep during hell week/finals week, so give your body a good amount of rest to prepare for those long nights of studying.

9. Get a job/internship related to your major

Start gaining experience towards your future job starting NOW. You may think: Do I really need to start gaining experience my second year of college? The answer is YES. Competition is a real thing, so don’t let your lack of motivation or laziness stop you from obtaining your dream job when you graduate. Find a source of motivation!