I've been around the block awhile, going on my sixth year of higher education. So it's safe to say I know a thing or two about being successful in college. Here are some tips for incoming freshmen or students in general.

1. Make friends.

This is essential. Make friends with people, especially in different majors. You never know when you'll need help in that field. Also, who wants to have no friends? Be diverse and be a friend to all. Athletes can hang out with people in the band. And the drama folks can mix with the science folks. Regina Spektor once said, "People are just people; they shouldn't make you nervous." Just be friendly and find common ground.

2. Introduce yourself to your professors.

Now I went to a small school, so this was inevitable. But even if you go to a big school, take the time to go to your professors' office hours and start building a relationship with them. Professors are more likely to help you out if you go and talk to them. Don't be intimidated by them; they were students once too and their goal is to help you get your college education. Make an effort to know your professor and I promise you this will benefit you in the long run. Letters of recommendation *cough *cough.

3. Time Management is probably the most important thing

Don't ever make the excuse that you don't have time. There is plenty of time, you just need to know how to manage it. Set a time to study, a time for fun, a time to eat, a time to work, a time to sleep etc. You can do it. Look, I played football, worked two jobs (sometimes 3), had fun, graduated with a 3.25 GPA and am currently in my second year of grad school with a 3.3 GPA. "There isn't enough time" isn't a valid excuse. Prioritize what's important and figure out how to manage it.

4. Call home.

My mom told me I had to call her at least once per week. When you first get to college, everything is hitting you all at once and your head will be spinning. But it's good to call home and tell your mom (and/or dad) about whats going on. Tell them about your day, your classes, friends you've made, heck tell them about paying your water bill-- it doesn't matter. Call them! Trust me, my relationship with my parents has gotten better because I made an effort to call them. Even if it's just once per week or every single hour (done this before), please call them.

5. Do your best to resist the temptation to date someone

I'm guilty of this (I made it to October.) I'm sure she's the most wonderful girl you've ever met and her hair smells like cinnamon, but not to be morbid but statistics aren't in your favor. More than likely, the first person you seriously date in college is not the person you're going to end up with. Just have fun and focus on yourself for a little while. College is about self-discovery, finding out who you're going to be.

Also, another piece of advice, fellas: "Just because she smiles at you doesn't mean she wants you in her pants." No means No. Respect the opposite sex. And ladies do not come into college trying to get a M.R.S degree or Ring by Spring, whatever you want to call it. Seriously, get yourself a degree and get in the work force. Focus on your career and yourself a husband will come when the timing is right. It's an awkward phase of your life. But in such a short time, you might miss the important things.

6. Remember this isn't easy.

High school might've been a joke to you, but college is a whole other animal. You have to work hard. No one is here to hold your hand, there's a lot of figuring it out on your own. You have to study your material. Read and reread. Take good notes. College is not a cake walk for us mortals. Now if you're brilliant and it's not hard for you, keep it to yourself. Work hard and I promise good things will come.

7. Get involved in something

Whether it's a social club or intramural sports or, heck, even being a tutor, just get involved on campus. For me, I played football as well as wrote and edited for the school paper. It's a great way to meet people as well as give you some extra things to add to your resume. Plus, you need to get out of your dorm room. If you're just going to class and your dorm room, you will become miserable. We need human interaction. If we don't get it, we will suffer for it.

8. Don't drink too much

It's college after all. Most people drink in college. This is something I wish I had really focused on instead of enjoying it too much. Just be under control and know your limits. Don't drive-- get someone to give you a ride. Also, beer makes you fat. The freshmen 15 comes mostly from drinking, not just eating, I promise you.

Finally, have fun. College is a wonderful experience. Don't forget to breathe. Drink water. Make mistakes. Believe in yourself and find out who you can be. Greatness is yours all you have to do is find it.