Congrats! You've gotten into college! The hard part is over! (Or so you thought.) You're about to embark on an incredible and difficult journey. Here's some advice I've compiled for you by asking my peers and noted from my own personal experience:

1. Your parents are not your enemy

They love you, they want to help you, and this is a difficult time of transition for them too! Give them a call every once in a while. And thank them.

2. You need more underwear/socks than you think you will

Because you won't do you laundry as often as you thought you would. You'll get busy and put it off until you're down to your last pair of underwear probably more than once.

3. It's OK to not be OK

Leaving home is difficult, and college can be really stressful. There is nothing wrong with using resources available for students like counseling or the student health center. Remember you are not alone.

4. What is a healthy relationship?

This is one of the most important things that one can come into college with an understanding of. A healthy relationship (whether that be romantic or not) is based on mutual respect. Some common indications that you may not be in healthy relationship (or even an abusive one) are: extreme jealousy, insults, possessiveness, lack of trust, social (or physical) isolation, and attempts to control a partner's life and actions. If you find yourself in a situation that is damaging to you emotioinally, mentally, or physically seek help. No one deserves this.

To find out more check out: www.loveisrespect.org

Teen Dating Abuse Helpline: 1-800-331-9474

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE(7233)

5. Your grades won't be what they were in High School

College is more difficult than high school, and the 4.0 you pulled off in high school with ease may not be as achievable in college. Do your best, but cut yourself some slack.

6. Don't buy your textbooks before classes start (and don't buy them from the school's bookstore)

Many classes don't end up using the textbooks they "require." If possible, buy them after you talk to someone who has previously taken the class before or after the first day of class. Also, look online for cheaper deals on textbooks before purchasing them from the school. Renting is also a good option.

7. Safe partying tactics

These can literally save your life: Don't leave your drink unattended. Keep track of how many drinks you have had (and realize that not all drinks contain the same amount of alcohol!!) Be wary of communal drinks (punch) and drinking games; you can quickly consume lots of alcohol without realizing it. Know the signs of alcohol poisoning. Have a buddy system with your friends. Trust your gut if a situation seems sketchy. Don't drink and drive! Organize a DD system or walk in groups.

8. Relationships with your professors are key

These will be some of the most beneficial relationships you can make in college. They can help you find internships, scholarships, and can also provide some awesome life advice.

9. Try new things

Explore clubs you wouldn't have tried in high school, talk to people you don't have a lot in common with, go through recruitment for greek life, or run for student government. There are lots of ways to get involved on campus and you may be surprised by what you end up being interested in.

10. If you're interested in Grad school your GPA matters

C's may get degrees, but they won't get you into your top choice graduate program.

11. Stay in contact with your close friends

Just because you've moved on to a new chapter of your life doesn't mean you should forget the people that have supported you up to this point. Sometimes an outside perspective will be just the thing you need!

12. Consent!!!

Many people come into college with a fuzzy understanding of consent. Consent is a requirement for sexual interactions not just in college but in life. This video is really helpful.

13. It's OK to have fun

The best memories of college will be the times spent with your friends, and not the time you spent studying. Don't forget to take time off from studying to enjoy the experience and explore the area you are living in with the people that are important to you!

14. Very few people come into college knowing what they want to pursue -- explore!

It's totally OK to come into college without knowing what you want to do. Take lots of classes that interest you, and don't stress about figuring out your major right away. Many schools will let you wait years before declaring.

15. You don't need to change who you are

The people around you will be exploring their morals and beliefs, and you will be as well. But it's OK to hang on to values that are very important to you. You don't need to compromise; you have every right to say no to an activity that makes you uncomfortable.

16. Relationships

Surround yourself with people who build you up and spend this time in college forming lasting relationships. Make time for people who make you a better person, not worse.

17. Coffee = magic

No explanation needed.