I'm always thrown off guard when asked for my best college advice. I never know what to say because the lessons I learned are either too complicated to explain or I never know which one is the most important. After a while, all of the lessons started to blend and I realized that the best advice is to tell someone they'll figure it out on their own. At the same time, I realized that these wise words were utterly useless and decided to create a list of my best advice for those entering the next step of their journey.

1. You don't have to figure everything out right away.

I realize that this may be as useless as saying you'll figure it out on your own, but it's seriously true. Don't try to understand or experience all of college life in the first weekend-take little steps and ease your curious mind throughout the semester.

2. Go grocery shopping.

No matter how good your campus food is, there comes a time in the year when you get tired of it. If you don't want to spend your money Ubering to restaurants every other day, take one mega-trip to the local grocery store and stock up. Try to keep in mind that certain foods don't stay good forever.

3. Go to class as much as possible, at least for for the first few weeks.

Even if the professor doesn't take attendance or tells you that attendance is optional, try to get to as many classes as possible. Chances are, it'll be useful one day later in the semester when you're trying to figure out what's actually on your final. I know sleep seems tempting, but really, go to class.

4. Nap.

I never was the type of person to take naps before college, but once I realized how amazing they are I can't stop. Between going out and late-night papers, leep schedules aren't going to be regular. It's important to develop the ability to become slightly nocturnal and sleep as much as you can during the day.

5. Try out for as many things as you want.

Even if you were the starting quarterback in high school, there's a good chance you won't have that same fame in college. This shouldn't stop you from trying, though. Tryouts are usually within the first few weeks and, if anything, will help you make some friends.

6. Don't worry if you don't like your roommate.

You don't have to spend a lot of time in your room if you don't want to. More likely than not, a friend will take you in as an adoptive roommate if it gets really bad.

7. Become friendly with your RA (or at least don't be rude to them).

You will break the rules. You might get caught. You want them on your side.

8. Find your limits, but not all at once.

Especially the first weekend, don't be that kid that finds themselves over the toilet. You don't want that to be people's first impression of you. Even though the reputation might not stick, that memory will probably stay in their memory. If anything, just wait a few weeks before you're in that position.

9. Use your syllabus.

All of your professors will tell you to do it, but you really should. Make a schedule of all of your due dates, because you're not going to remember them 15 weeks later.

10. Go to the gym.

Even if you're not a gym person, you might become one after you realize the Freshman 15 is too real.

11. Become friends with people in your class.

Nothing is worse than realizing you have no idea what your test/essay is on and you have no one to ask. Be outgoing at the beginning of the semester and create those connections that'll pay off when you're pulling an all-nighter the night before your midterm.

12. Do your laundry.

Don't wait until you've run out of socks or jeans. By then, it'll be way too late and there is a good chance all of your washers will be full. Also, good luck if you plan on making Sunday, "laundry day."

13. Realize you don't know everything.

There are going to be thousands of strangers around you. Realize that everyone is coming from different backgrounds with different beliefs. You can probably learn a thing or two from someone else, so try not to make quick judgments.

14. Don't worry if you don't miss your best friends as much as you thought you would.

This is something weird to feel and something you may be afraid to admit, but it's normal. Once you get used to college life it's easier to realize that this is part of growing up. Don't worry, it doesn't mean you don't love your best friends any less.

15. Don't be ashamed if you want to go home.

That being said, don't be ashamed if you're feeling homesick. If you can, try to book a weekend trip home or have your family come visit to bring that sense of home back to your life.

16. Don't panic if you don't get straight A's.

Fun fact: college is harder than high school. Even if you got straight A's, it doesn't mean you will once you reach this new place. There will be kids who do, and you should become friendly with them.

17. Try to keep track of how much money you're spending per week.

There will come a time when you realize you're going broke and need to start saving your money. This can be avoided (or delayed) if you start realizing how much money you're spending.

18. Start with a positive attitude and open mind.

College is amazing, but it is what you make it. Go in with a positive attitude and you will attract amazing friends; go in with a negative attitude and it will be easier to get stressed out. By having an open mind you can unlock your potential.