Dear High School Graduates:

Congratulations! I know the final months of high school were incredibly stressful with picking a college, standardized tests, family coming into town, and summer plans. But now it’s time to finally breathe because you did it!! Before you start college in the fall, here are some tips from a high school graduate who has already had a taste of what college is like. As High School Musical would say, “We’re all in this together!!” and you are going to be just fine. So enjoy your summer and start college in the fall feeling confident and prepared.

1. If you slept through your alarm... you probably needed it.

2. Maybe not getting invited was your biggest blessing.

3. Boys are stupid...but so are girls who fall for stupid boys.

4. It's okay to not have plans on a Friday night.

5. Your mom is your best friend.

6. Don't worry about dressing up for class everyday. Comfort is the biggest priority.

7. Yoga pants are your new best friend.

8. You don't have to join a sorority to make friends.

9. Nothing good ever happens after 12 am.

10. Find a guy that brings you flowers on the first date.

11. Going off to college is not an excuse to eat ramen noodles every night. There are healthy choices!!!

12. Actually pay attention in class. You are paying for college so you might as well get your money's worth and learn something.

13. Staying up until 3 am to study can and should be avoided.

14. If you only have one or two close friends...keep them close.

15. Family comes before everything.

16. Learn how to have a conversation without looking at your cellphone.

17. Spontaneously do something differently than you planned.

18. Don't give your professor a reason to hate you and they won't hate you.

19. People will try to change you. Don't let them unless it's for the better.

20. No alcohol. No problem.

21. Someone is always looking up to you.

22. Complaining doesn't change anything except how many people like to be around you.

23. Forget about the "Freshman 15" and order dessert.

24. Play hooky at least once a semester. Life is too short not to be a rebel every once in a while.

25. C's get degrees.

26. Your major is what you make of it.

27. Don't compare yourself to others. Everyone's path is different.

28. Start everything earlier than you think you should. Deadlines come up faster than you think.

29. Make time for yourself and don't feel bad about it.

30. Don't push yourself too hard. You're going to be fine.

31. Learn how to rest.

32. There are better places to hang out than the bars.

33. Your professors are not out to get you.

34. Find where your classes are on campus beforehand! You will get lost!

35. If you are staying home every night...you're not looking hard enough. There are always events going on.

36. Call your parents a couple times a week. They miss you more than you think.

37. Buy a planner. And actually use it.

38. Eat lunch by yourself at least once a week.

39. If you listen to music you love walking to class, I promise you will dread that class less.

40. Follow your passion and life will sort out the rest.