To The University Of Georgia Class of 2021,

Congratulations! You've successfully made it through high school and are now attending one of the best schools in the state and the Southeast at large.

Freshman year was incredibly memorable for me. It was challenging, intense, quick, crazy, fun, and ultimately, fulfilling. It can really be one of the best times of your life if you let it.

Navigating college and transitioning from high school can be difficult. You have to deal with being away from home as well as trying to be on your own as well as live with roommates as well as try to balance college classes.

Then you bring in the topic of your social life. Freshman year is cool because you meet so many new people at the beginning of the year and throughout the year as well.

If you want some advice for navigating your freshman year at UGA, hear it from someone who thoroughly enjoyed freshman year. Even if you end up having a rough year, this article will help you see the positives!

First and foremost, stay healthy. Getting enough sleep in college is hard to do, but if you allow yourself a few late nights you can manage. Taking naps is also important. Get plenty of exercise. At UGA, the Ramsey Student Center is popular because of the workout facilities they have there. You can swim laps in a lap pool, run around the indoor track, or lift weights, among many other ways to work out. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet and take advantage of healthy options in the dining halls. And don't worry too much about the "Freshman 15." Athens has plenty of hills and places to walk to keep you moving constantly.

Secondly, make sure to keep up with your classes. This can be the trickiest part of college: balancing your schedule. Find something that works for you. If you're an early riser, go ahead and register for those 8ams. If you know you like to sleep in, consider registering to have classes that are later in the day. Come up with a basic plan for each class as to how you will study and how much time you will devote to it.

Thirdly, get involved. Just remember to work your extracurriculars around your class/study schedule. Popular organizations at UGA include HEROs, UGA Miracle, and Relay for Life. Sign up for a club sport if you're athletic. Pledge a sorority or fraternity if you feel like that's where you belong. Just put yourself out there.

Fourth, meet new people. Go to Bolton Dining Commons and sit down with a random person. Introduce yourself to your hallmates. Reach out to someone new through Facebook or Instagram. You may meet your new lifelong friends.

And lastly, just make the most of your time in Athens. Go to ALL the home football games. I'm serious on this one. Football season and Saturdays in Athens are such a special tradition that you will not want to miss out on. Take your friends or family to a local restaurant in town (I especially recommend The Last Resort) or to a concert at the Georgia Theatre. Go rollerskating at Athens Skate Inn. Go for a hike around Lake Herrick. Just take time to explore the city that will soon feel like home to you.

Whatever you decide to study, or whatever path you take or friends you make, freshman year is going to be one for the books. So get out there and make it extraordinary!