Making the transition from high school to college is a very different experience for everyone. Some people can handle being away from home and the heavy course load while others barely make it through their first semester. The issue is that no one really knows what to expect until they get to school and experience it for themselves. After being in college for almost a year, I have learned a lot and I have a few tips for incoming freshman that they need to know to make their first year a little easier.

1. Find a good foundation of friends.

It is always good to have at least one person in your corner because you never know when you're going to need it.

2. Do not tell everyone your business.

Everyone doesn't have your best interest at heart, and they may not keep what you told them in private. It is best that you keep your personal business to yourself or with someone you know you can trust.

3. The cafe is not always bomb.

I'm not saying that the food isn't good, but it's not good all the time. The food is either really good or really bad. There's no in between so be prepared for anything.

4. Be prepared to live off of your microwave.

Whether you go to the cafe on a bad day or you miss the cafe altogether, you still need to eat something. If your school doesn't have a kitchen for the students to use you're going to need be best friends with your microwave.

5. Always turn your work in on time.

When Blackboard says the assignment is due at 11:59, it is due at 11:59. Not 12:00, definitely not 12:05—11:59. After that, it's late and you may be at risk for not getting credit, depending on who your professor is.