Dear Incoming Freshmen,

You've just finished up your final summer before entering this new chapter of your life. In the fall, you and your friends are going to be scattered across the country. It’s scary, exciting and intimidating. But amongst this crazy mixture of feelings, remember this: you’re only a freshman once. Make every second count.

You have the rare opportunity to start off with a clean slate. In high school, it was easy for people to develop their perception of you based on rumors or gossip. There are probably embarrassing incidents and petty stories that stuck to your reputation throughout middle school and high school, but being new to campus eliminates that. Your classmates will get to know you for you.

Take full advantage of the resources provided to you. This definitely won’t be the last time you hear this advice, but I’d like to put it out there regardless. If your campus has an amazing gym, use it. If your school offers free individual tutoring, sign up for it. If there’s a scholarship you think you’re eligible for, apply for it. You’ll regret it later if you don’t.

With that being said, if you need help, ask for it. If you’re struggling with a class, find a tutor. If something in lecture doesn’t make sense, ask your professor to explain it to you again. Get to know your professors. Go to their office hours. Contrary to what it may feel like sometimes, professors want to see you succeed and grow as a student and individual. It’s amazing what kind of doors they can open for you just through simple conversations.

Go outside your comfort zone. This one may seem cliché but nonetheless is important to keep in mind. Try a new sport. Join a new club. College is a small window of your life where you’re free to take risks without consequences, and it’s important to utilize that opportunity to the fullest. You have the freedom to spend months studying abroad in a new country. You have the freedom to intern at several different companies in completely different fields. You are free to try anything.

Try not to sit in your room all day. Believe me, I love binge watching Friends on Netflix as much as everyone else but spending down time on campus is incredibly important, especially during a period as defining as freshman year. The more time you spend on campus, the more likely you are to make a new friend, or find out about an interesting organization on campus.

Most of all, don’t forget to enjoy every single moment. It’s an incredible adventure that will fly by faster than you’d ever expect.