So you’ve been accepted to the school of your dreams. Or maybe not. You may have been accepted into a school you never anticipated attending, and that’s OK. In fact, that’s amazing. You have reached the point in your life where you get to make your own decisions. You are in charge. It is both a liberating and terrifying moment.

You have a million reasons to be afraid, but I’m telling you not to be. Your college experiences will be some of the most exhaustive and enjoyable adventures of your life. OK, college isn’t all kittens and rainbows; in fact, it kind of sucks most days. I don’t want you to worry though, I am going to offer you some tips about how you can get through this and get that degree at the end of the tunnel.

Study the required classes for your program and look up reviews for every professor that you have to take. You want to make sure you know exactly what you’re getting yourself into before you start. As soon as classes start, get to know your professors, they will be your key to a successful college career.

Also, get to know as many upperclassmen in your program as humanly possible, they will be your lifelines. They will be able to help you with exams, suggest professors and show you the ins and outs of your new home away from home. Once you get to school, it’s easy to forget why you’re there in the first place.

Study. Study hard. Your goal is get that degree and a good work ethic will get you there. So do just that. Clearly studying is essential, but don't give up fun. Enjoy yourself and all of the amazing people that you will meet. Do not let the fear of being alone keep you from enjoying yourself. This is a part of your life that you will look back on with fondness and pride. Make those memories worthy of your pride.

Remember these things as you traverse on this journey. Remember, first and foremost, that you will struggle. You will struggle to meet people. It may take months. You may go a whole semester without finding anyone to connect with. This will be the hardest part.

I have never met a single freshman that did not consider quitting halfway through their first semester. There will be a point in your freshman year where you will be stressed and tired and you will reach your breaking point. Do not give up. Just keep pushing forward. Once you get over that hump, things will begin to fall into place. Suddenly, someone will see your sullen face and invite you to go out. You will find your rhythm. You will find classmates to work on assignments with. You will feel confident and comfortable. Suddenly, this college hundreds of miles away from everything you ever knew becomes your home.

It sounds idealistic and impossible, but you will find so much more than a good education. You will find yourself.