Dear New College Freshman,

Hey, how's it going? Excited? Yeah, you should be! You're getting ready to move into college for the first time. It's an exciting time in your life, let me tell you. I know from experience. You're going to live on your own for the first time, meet more people than you could ever imagine, and have too many experiences to count all within your first semester. Overwhelmed now? That's okay; it's natural. Yes, it's all so exhilarating, but it's also a big adjustment to what you're used to. I'm not here to sugarcoat the facts. I'm here to tell you that not everything is going to be okay, and that's okay. So, listen up.

With living on your own for the first time comes newfound freedom you didn't even realize existed until now. There's no one to make you go to class, no one to tell you when to be home, no one to stop you from getting drunk on the weekends, and no one to say you can't go stay the night with that boy. There's no one to tell you no, only naysayers. I wish for once in your life you would listen to those naysayers, but you're not going to.

You're going to want to skip class. Why would you willingly go to an 8 a.m. that has nothing to do with your major? I'll tell you why. You miss too many classes and you will fail. No questions asked. Missing once or twice is no big deal, but attendance policies are real. Your professors aren't kidding when they say attendance and participation will be a big chunk of your grade. If it says in the syllabus that eight missed class sessions results in a failing grade for the course, don't test your luck. It's not a riddle. Do you really want to have to take that gen-ed over again just because you didn't want to go to class the first time? It's not fun and it's a little embarrassing, so save yourself the trouble and just go to class, will you?

You're going to want to stay out until three in the morning. Yes, even on weeknights. What's more fun than going out for a late-night meal or just roaming the town? Everything is better after midnight, that's for sure. Do it. Have fun. Classes and course work can be stressful, so reward yourself. Just remember you still have to wake up for your morning classes and get your assignments done. It would be wise to not stay out hanging with your buds the night before a big essay or project is due. But, hey, we all have to make our own mistakes, right? Like I said before, I know you're not going to listen to the naysayers that have been through this before and know what they're talking about, because you're hardheaded and think you know everything. News flash: you don't. You still have so much to learn.

With staying out until the wee hours in the morning, you're also going to want to drink and get drunk. "This is college. College is for partying. Everyone does it." That's where you're wrong, young one. College is not for getting "turnt" every weekend or joining in on the Thirsty Thursday fun. College is for two things: getting a degree and finding yourself. You're not going to get a degree or find yourself if you're wasted all the time. People are going to tell you, "the best nights are the ones you can't remember." I can tell you right now that they're full of crap. I wish you could see right through their lifestyle. I wish you knew that your favorite memories are actually going to happen when you're sober. Crazy, right? Having fun without alcohol involved? Who knew that was possible?

Lastly, you're going to want to stay with that boy all the time. You've never been able to do such a thing before because you lived at home, but not anymore. There's nothing stopping you from crawling into bed with him every chance you get. Your friends are going to tell you to stop, but there's nothing quite like cuddling with someone all through the night. I get that, but I'm telling you to sleep in your own bed. Don't get addicted to the feeling he gives you. Boys are temporary. You're only going to get attached quicker if you stay with him all the time. And by all means, please for the love of all things good, don't start leaving stuff in his room. A wise man once told me to never leave anything that starts with the letter "T" in a guy's room. T-shirts, toiletries, tennis shoes, tampons, you name it. Anything you can think of probably has a synonym or a similar object that starts with "T." Just don't do it. You'll thank me me later.

You're going to make a lot of mistakes your first year of college. I mentioned before that college is about finding yourself. Sometimes it takes making not-so-smart decisions and hitting rock bottom to realize your utmost potential. Everything is certainly not going to be okay, and that's okay. You wouldn't be where you are today without making these mistakes and many more. So go have fun. You do you. You're going to do what you want anyways. Just remember what I said. College is for two things: getting a degree and finding yourself. See you bright and early at eight AM in the midst of finding yourself.

Best of luck,

Old College Senior.