No matter how seasoned a college student you are, the first week of classes is always quite the adventure. There are hundreds or thousands of students rushing from one place to another with backpacks laden with laptops, textbooks, and binders strapped to their backs. In a sense, the entire ordeal of the first week is a bit chaotic and it doesn't help that depending on where you live, it can be hot as the fiery pits or frigid like a French kiss from a snowman. Overall, this time of year is a big pile of insanity served with a side of anxiety.

Here's the thing though: The first week of college doesn't have to be so bad.

I know it's stressful and I know it can be hard, but the first week of college is not your enemy so you shouldn't let it beat you. There are ways to approach this week with confidence and be ready to face whatever comes your way.

First things first, make sure you are stocked up on your typical school materials. I know it seems dumb, but it really is helpful for you to bring a notebook, a binder, and a pen or a pencil with you to the first class. If your new professor says something important, you will be prepared to write it down or write down a question to ask him/her later. If he/she gives out a syllabus or other worksheets, you will have something to carry all those papers in instead of risking leaving them behind. I'm not saying you have to go overboard and come to class with five thousands pieces of paper, sticky notes, pens, highlights, and the entire kitchen sink; that would be absolutely insane. It's just a good idea to have something on hand just in case.

Another thing that will make your life easier is to map out your classes. Personally, I write down all my classes with the professors, the times, and the place in my agenda to have on my person at all times. That way, if I am struggling to remember where my Spanish class is located, I can just whip out my notebook and figure it out instead of trying to hike all the way to the moon and back looking. Writing all of these things down is a great way to remember what you have to do and where you have to go.

Speaking of an agenda, it is a good idea to have one. Well, if not an agenda, then a place where you can write down your assignments in an organized manner. Trust me, writing down what I have to do every day has saved me more times than I can count when I have forgotten an assignment.

This is going to sound like such a parental thing to say, but make sure you eat a good breakfast in the morning. It is an important meal because not only does it jumpstart your metabolism, it provides you with the energy you need to make it through all of your classes. Eating something before class is especially helpful to those that have 8 a.m. classes.

Make sure you get a good night's sleep the night before, especially on the first week. Listen, I can completely empathize with those who love to stay up light being a night owl myself. However, this week is going to be especially draining. Due to that fact, it would be a great idea to make sure you get a good night of rest this week. I know all of you won't keep up with a good sleep schedule throughout the year, God knows I certainly did not last year. There will always be projects or tests to study for, but remember sometimes a good sleep is the foundation to success.

In the end, the first week of class will always be a crazy and a busy time of the school year. How you handle and approach it, however, will determine how hectic it will truly be. Now, everyone take a deep breath and let out every stress and worry you have about the upcoming school year. With hard work and determination, I know we will all go far.