There are many struggles that incoming freshman encounter in their first year, hell, even in their first week. Many of which involve stress, drama, mess-ups, and just about anything you can think of. I am here to help those incoming freshman, or even transfer students, make the transition a little easier when it comes to college itself. I see myself go through these struggles still, and I’m a junior. Go figure.

Through the process of writing, I will be going through seven struggles that you will encounter, not only through your first week, but your first semester/first year.

7: Grades

Your grades are not everything. Yes, I know you’re thinking, “what is this crazy lady talking about?” But I’m serious. Grades are grades. You do homework, take tests, maybe even do some extra credit, all for a letter at the end of the course. What does that get you? A higher GPA? Of course that is dependent on how hard you worked. But sometimes you get sidetracked, and you forget assignments. You end up sleeping in through a class and you think it’s the end of the world. (Trust me, I’ve been there.) In the end, it didn’t matter. All it was for was a letter.

Now don’t get the wrong idea here. I’m not saying that grades are something you just need to throw out. That is the last thing I’m saying. I’m trying to say that prioritizing is your best friend. Procrastination is not. Write out everything you have to do, starting with the most important, or what will take the longest, and so on. This will help you get everything in shape and keep you and your GPA in shape, without must of the hassle.

6. Use the library: it’s your best friend.

Not a lot of students go to the library because it’s “super lame.” Trust me, it isn’t. The library is there for you, full of references above and beyond what you can find on the Internet. Hard copies of everything I find are better anyway, because you can make notes on them and keep them handy. Many students believe that they are able to study in their dorm room, or at a friends, and granted, some can. Most can’t, therefore the library will become your best friend. Use what materials you have at hand. I mean you’re paying for them, why not use them?

5. To party or not to party?

That is the ultimate question. I know what’s going through your head. “That cute guy/girl is going to be there and I would like to get to know them more. But I also have this huge test that I haven’t really studied for. What should I wear?” Should I do this should I do that? They are all questions that pop into your head. The answer? DON’T PARTY. I’m not saying for like ever. Partying is a way to meet new friend and gather acquaintances that you will be thankful for throughout your college career, and maybe even once you graduate. Going back to prioritizing, school work and tests should always come before any party. ALWAYS. Don’t mess up in a class just because you’re love-struck by some “almost significant other.” Relationships come and go, your GPA doesn’t.

4. Relationships

It may seem super crucial to have a boyfriend or girlfriend while in college. It doesn’t matter. People don’t care who you’re dating or even about what you do. They worry about themselves. You worry about yourself. You don’t need to be in a relationship to have fun. Focusing on school is more important than focusing on why your boyfriend or girlfriend is mad or why they said that to you or anything. I know they are fun, but honey, please don’t let this be your life.

When it comes to relationships, I’ve had my fair share of heartbreaks in the past year. Some I still talk to, some I don’t. It’s what happens. Don’t let a guy sweet-talk you and then let him break your heart: it isn’t fun. And guys, don’t lead a girl on if you don’t like her, that’s not cool either. There are many ways of the spectrum where a relationship can destroy someone’s ego or their whole mojo for school. Basically my advice here is to not let a breakup bother you. Let it go. It will be in the past, and in the wise words of Rafiki, “It doesn’t matter, it’s in the past.”

Check back next week for the last three struggles you will endure.