So, you've applied to colleges or you are procrastinating but have started thinking about colleges (don't worry I put off application until the last minute and I still got in) and you are starting to think about what is next. As some of you start to hear back and others start to freak out because their friends have heard back and they haven't I wanted to give some advice on what you're headed for next fall. I am by no means an expert, but as someone who remembers being exactly where you are, I'm going to tell you a few things I wish someone had told me (or I wish I had listened to when someone told me).

1. Who You Are Now In High School Doesn't Matter

No one cares, everyone was top of their class and in every club and all that fun stuff. That's why you're all in college, I'm not saying completely change who you are / were, just that no one wants to hear you talk about how you amazing you were. Let them see how great you are.

2. Go To Class

It is now up to you, if you don't show up no one is going to call your parents or give you a detention. But, you will struggle. Let me tell you, no matter how well you think you know the material they will try to trick you on exams and if you go to class your professors or TA will warn about ways they have tricked people in the past. My midterms have definitely reflected the fact that I have missed at least five days of every class I have, so just go. Especially freshman year, most of your classes with be about an hour, I know you can do it!

3. At Least Glance Over Your Materials Before The Placement Tests

Take this from someone who is in three classes that she took in high school, study for your placement tests. I didn't take Spanish or math my senior year and so now I am in Spanish ll (even though I went through Spanish lV in high school), Pre-Calc (even though I took it in high school), and entry level English (though I took AP junior and senior year, both could have exempted me from this class). Yeah, it sounds like easy A's but you will be bored, I promise.

4. No One Likes Their Freshman Dorm

I live in the most notoriously disliked dorm at Ohio State (possibly in Ohio). I have eleven suite mates and three other girls in my dorm, there is a poster up in the hall to cover up a blood stain (no one knows how it got there), and Jeffrey Dahmer used to live in my dorm, it's not great. But, even people who live in the newer dorms, don't like their dorm. It's the first time out of your house and for a lot of people it's the first time sharing a room, so don't worry no matter where you live, you will have things you hate and things you love.

5. Take A Class For No Reason Other Than You Want To

I am technically an undecided major (though I have recently decided) but most majors are going to have pre requisites, take those but everyone you talk to in that major will tell you that especially with really hard majors (science and math heavy majors), you can't take them all in one semester. You need GE credits for graduation anyway so take a class that just sounds fun. (I would recommend a Women's Studies class because it rocks, Gender, Sex, and Power for the win!)

6. Not Having A Major Is Not A Big Deal

Even the people who have a major, don't really have a major. The majority of people who enter college with a declared major will change it, it's not a big deal. If you are leaning towards a competitive major start the prerequisites for it but maybe declare undecided. Especially at OSU (I don't know about any other school), the exploration program is a really great way to get a feel for everything so don't feel the need to rush into anything.

7. Make Time To Do The Things That Make You Happy

This is the first time since I was six that I don't live with a dog, so I make time to go see my dog or other dogs. This may not sound important but this is the key to my sanity at school. If it is necessary or helpful to you, make time to do it. Even if it doesn't seem important, your mental health will appreciate it.

8. The Things You Have Seen On Twitter Are True

You really can cry and sleep anywhere without judgment. I am convinced that every person on a college campus is within a half hour of tears at all times, they have either cried in the last half hour or will cry in the next half hour. Sleep anywhere, everyone who sees you will not judge, they will just be incredibly jealous.

9. You Will Need To Get Organized

Color code. Label. Spend three days making folders on your laptop home screen. Do what you have to do, but you will need some sort of organizational system to survive. I had one folder my senior year of high school, I now have a laptop homescreen split in to sections based off what class the content of the folder are for and I have a color assigned to each class that my folder and notebook for those classes are in. You will have to do it at some point, it's better to do it sooner rather than later

10. Try New Things

Just because you did it in high school doesn't mean you have to do it in college and just because you've never done it before doesn't mean you can't do it now. There are so many clubs and if you narrow your choices down to things that you have done before, you will limit yourself from some great organizations. Also, there are things for EVERYONE. There is a burrito club, fencing club, a cappella, Harry Potter, feminist clubs, tap dancing club, and everything in between. Do things you're comfortable with but try at least one new thing too.

11. It's Okay To Eat Alone

You will eat alone, it can not be avoided. You will be hungry and not be able to find someone who isn't busy to go with you. It's fine because the majority of people there will also be eating alone so don't worry about it.

12. Take Care Of Yourself

If you have ever had a mental health problem (even if it has been years since you had an episode) there is a chance it will resurface. Your life is changing significantly, there will be stress and emotions that you don't even recognize. Take care of yourself, use the resources that you have within yourself and within your community to help yourself.

13. You'll Be Okay

You've been through worse, you've survived through worse. College is new and different and exciting and scary and stressful but it's nothing you can't handle. Good luck!