College is a way different experience than high school, and those going into their first semester as a freshman don’t always realize that. Me personally, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Now that I’m through my tough freshman year, there are some things I wish I knew beforehand.

1. Make friends!

Yes, none of us have had to make friends since we were in kindergarten unless we moved around a lot, but now is the time. Those kids you have classes with? You will be seeing them two or three times a week in class for the entire semester. They may be struggling with the class as much as you are, or may even be able to help you. Those kids that you live on the same floor or building with? Make them your friends, you’ll have someone to walk to and from places with and to sit and binge eat any food possible when you’re upset. Chances are those friends you make the first week, are the ones you keep forever.

2. Make friends with upperclassmen.

Not only is making friends important, making friends with upperclassmen is important too. Not only do they know the ins and outs of campus, but they can give you advice and tips on which classes to take, which professors will help you learn the best and how to study for those professors. Upperclassmen are a big help when it comes to learning how to adapt because they were freshman before and most wish they had someone like them in your shoes to help them.

3. Pick your class schedule wisely.

This is the most important in my opinion. If you are not a morning person do not take 8 a.m. classes or even 9 a.m. classes. Take classes at the time of day you’ll be able to function at. By all means if you’re a morning person go for the 8 o’clock classes. The same goes for night classes, if you’re one of those people who can’t function or learn after they’ve eaten dinner, don’t take night classes.

4. Take advantage of healthy options.

Whether it be the salad bar at a dining hall, or the gym most colleges let their students use for free… Don’t take these for granted. Your body will thank you later.

5. Save your money.

College itself is very expensive alone. Don't go out every night for dinner or frequent Sheetz runs because your bank account will dwindle fast. Only use money for things you absolutely need, whether it be things for your dorm or gas to get home if you have appointments.

6. Wait until after the first week to buy books.

Most classes wont require you to get the "required" text books. So don't go buying all of your books before you go through syllabus week. Along with that, do not buy your books from the school bookstore! They are way more expensive than going through Amazon or finding an upperclassman that doesn't need those books anymore and they will be willing to give you those books at a cheaper price. If those aren't options for you, just rent your books. This will save you an unbelievable amount of money considering you probably wont be needing those books ever again.

7. Don't get stuck in high school.

Yes, it's okay to keep your best friend that is still in high school, or your boyfriend or girlfriend that's still there as well. Just leave the petty drama behind. In college no one cares about the things they may have cared about in high school. Meet new people, and keep an open mind.

8. Dress comfortably for class.

No one really cares what you look like for class. If you are dead set on dressing up every day? Go for it, but nobody is judging you for wearing sweats every day.

9. Get involved.

There is always something going on, on campus. Go to the student involvement fair and sign up for clubs that you think you'd enjoy. Maybe even try something new, and if it's not something you enjoy you can always drop it. And go to as many school sponsored events as you can! Who knows who will be at your spring concert.

10. Have self-discipline.

Your parents aren't here to be keeping you on track, you have to have enough responsibility to get up and go to class and do your homework. You need to do it on your own. This also means, do your work on time. If you have an essay due, don't wait until the day before to do it because chances are you will get distracted and end up turning in a bad paper.

11. Make your dorm room your home.

After all your dorm room will be your home for the next 9-10 months. It doesn't hurt to hang posters or tapestries to make your dorm feel more like home. You want to be comfortable and cozy in your living space. Invest in comfortable bedding because that's where you will spend most of your time studying.

12. Go to office hours and the writing center.

Your professors have office hours for a reason, so you can go in and get the help you need or even if you have some questions about an assignment that was unclear on the syllabus. The writing center will also help you with any of your papers. They can help you outline and revise and even clarify different styles your professors may want you to write in.

13. Enjoy yourself.

Yes college is mostly class and school work, but this is your time to live your life and develop into the person you were meant to be. Do what makes you happy. If you need a break from studying? Take one. Don't drown yourself in stress.

14. Most of all, go to class!

That's what you're there for anyways right? An education. Go to class because chances are, you wont be able to understand other peoples notes, and most profs test on mostly their lectures so you want to be there.