August is finally here! You know what that means! Summer is coming to a close and former high school seniors are now set on venturing towards another huge adventure: college. For me, a freshman year wasn’t has hard as I thought it was going to be. Yes, it’s a lot of work, but I had the time of my life and now I am entering my sophomore year and I’ve never been more excited to get back to class. Before you enter your first year, here are some things you might like to know in advance.

1. You are not going to forget your high school friends!

Honestly, I can’t stress this enough. Before I went to college, (I even went out of state), this was all I was ever told. News flash: it’s not true. Usually, you don’t continue talking to everyone you graduate with and yes high school is a thing of the past. But, that doesn’t mean you leave all you best friends behind. In this day and age technology is everywhere and it makes it very easy to communicate with people. Therefore it’s pretty simple to keep in touch with you friends. Also, THEY’RE YOUR FRIENDS. Even though you’re all going your separate ways, you will still have them.

2. You need food for your dorm room, but don’t pack it for the ride.

I learned this little cheat my freshmen year. Understandably, you want food in your dorm room. I mean, you didn’t buy the mini fridge for nothing and let’s not forget that you may need a bag of Doritos to crunch on during finals week when it’s crunch time. So, you’re probably going to pack cases of water, juice, microwave meals, mac and cheese, and canned goods to take your dorm on move in day, right? Wrong. Don’t do this. Food becomes heavy and gets in the way when you’re trying to move into your dorm, thus making moving in more difficult then what it needs to be. So, what you should do is not pack food. (No, I’m not crazy). Once you’re on campus you move into your dorm. After you’re done, go to the nearest food store and then get what you need. This makes unpacking less of a hassle.

3. Extension Cords.

In college dorms, outlets are often scarce and located in very inconvenient places. Get yourself an extension cord, so you don't have to walk across your dorm room just to charge your phone.

4. Pepper spray

This is a must for everyone, and I mean EVERYONE. Stay safe.

5. Find where your classes are before the classes actually start.

No one wants to be late on the first day of classes. Just like no one wants to admit that they got lost. Do yourself a favor and take a walk around campus to find where all your classes will be. You can go solo or grab a couple of friends. This way, you are more confident on the first day and you even get to know your campus better!

6. If you’re late on your first day it’s okay.

I was late to my first class on the first day. Yes, I did go look for my classes beforehand, but sometimes you can’t help forgetting the rooms out of nervousness. At first I was afraid my professor would be unhappy with me, but that wasn’t the case. He understood what happened, just as most of professors would. As the school year continues the professors would like you to be early to class, but they are usually lenient the first day.

7. Get to know your professors.

All my professors have also been very nice people. They may seem intimidating as an authority figure, but they're still people. And at the end of the day, they just want you to get the best education possible. So if you need help, just ask them in class or send them an email. Also, be sure to say hi to them outside of class. It’s appreciated.

8. Join a lot of clubs.

Now, do make sure you have time for all the clubs in your schedule, so you can keep your grades up. Clubs are a fantastic opportunity to get involved with your school and its community. You'll most likely meet potential friends who have similar interests as you! Clubs are a great way to explore your hobbies and even find new ones. They also help you adjust to campus life and grow as an individual.

9. Have spare change.

From vending machines to bus rides, you need spare change. I know I always hated asking my friends for quarters when I was out. So, I always made sure to have some spare change. It’s fun to take a bus to off-campus activities. It’s also nice to get a quick water for a dollar fifty. Either way, you need change.

10. Learn about the area you’ll be living in.

You’re not secluded to your campus. Learn about your area and the opportunities it offers. Pay attention to the ongoing festivals, sales at boutiques, as well as the best restaurants and attractions. This is away for you to open up and experience new things. Soon, you’ll be adjusted to a completely different way of life and making new memories!

11. Don’t bring all your clothing at once.

I’m obsessed with anything fashion, so I understand the need to have all of your pieces with you. However, you don’t need your expensive fur coat yet. It’s only the end of summer when you start school, far too warm to wear it. Winter isn’t even here yet! Only bring the clothing you’ll be wearing for the current season. Wait until you go home for fall break or just on a weekend later on in the semester to bring your winter clothes back.

12. You can go out, just take care of your grades.

Going out is a great way to let loose and socialize. Who doesn’t want to dance the night away with friends? But while you’re doing this, don't put your grades at stake. Take care of your schoolwork and always put it first. After all, an education is what you’re ultimately paying for.

13. Have fun!

College is a great experience and can really give you change your perspective on life. Become the person you always wanted to be. This is your time, and use every moment of it to your advantage.