Everyone is nervous for their first year of college, and that is natural. You are being stripped away from the place you called home. The familiarity of your high school. You are now what they call Freshmeat. Intimidating? Fun? Scary? That is up to you. But, there a few things I wish I knew for my first week in college.

Wear athletic clothes to move in day

Don’t dress up. Just don’t do it. Yes, I know you want to look cute and make a good first impression. But, trust me it is not worth it. Because, shortly after you start moving in that “cute” outfit will be drenched in sweat. The makeup that you spent time doing will be running down your face within three seconds. You want to wear breathable clothes. Not those jean shorts that make your booty look nice. Not that tight low cut tank that shows off your bod. The tightness will only make you sweat more. Sweating ain’t fun nor cute. Cute clothes not worth it. Change after you move in. Possibly even shower.

Move in early as possible on move-in day

Want that extra hour of sleep? Once again, some things just aren’t worth it. That extra hour of sleep is one of them. There will be a sea of crazed people shoving their way thru to unpack. Those parents freaking out, because their kid only brought one band aid and not two. You don’t want to deal with that. Go early. Earliest as possible. Because, one it takes a while to move in. Two, you do not want to be part of the jungle that comes with move in day.

Go out the first night

Be social. Even if you are tired. Trust me after pre-orientation you will be, but, still go out. Meet your future classmates. Indulge in a little bit of fun, because soon you will be drowning in hours of homework.

Don’t be THAT freshman

You know that means. Don’t be the sloppy drunk the first night. The one that your roommates have to hold their hair for them. No one likes hanging around THAT freshman, because it is a hazard. Have fun, BUT don’t be THAT freshman.

Hit the gym EARLY

Freshman fifteen does not look cute and no one wants to deal with it. Get into the habit of going to the gym. Even if you’re hungover, GO. Sweat out all the alcohol toxins.

Network yourself

Don’t be afraid to go out and about introducing yourself. Like everyone says, put yourself out there. You never know who you are going to meet. Or how you are going to meet your best friend. And you never know who is going to swing an invite to some event. Network, you’ll be thankful you did.

Don’t drink the punch

The punch may seem inviting, but don’t do it. They make it a pretty color. Maybe it is red or pink. Heck, it even smells good. Even the taste isn’t too bad, because they juice masks the hard alcohol. But, that is how they get you. The juice hides the alcohol, and before you know it your world will be spinning. So save yourself from your world twirling before your eyes. Stay away from the inviting looking punch.

You will travel in a pack (if you are a freshman girl)

Even if you say you won’t, or don’t want to you are going to travel in a pack. You can not prevent it. Yes, that is how you spot freshman girls. They travel in packs of 20 to 30 wondering around looking for a party. There will be your couple freshman guy friends clinging on in hopes they can get, because the ratio is good. If you’re a freshman girl, don’t worry finding a party. Knock on the door maybe flash a smile, and you are in.

Buy a water bottle

Never used a water bottle in high school, yet they save your life in college. Not really sure why. But, everyone brings their water bottle, ID card, and key everywhere. A water bottle is like the new must have accessory in college.

Athletic clothes are your savior

The first couple days people dress cute. They want to look nice for first impression sake. It doesn’t take long for people to go to athletic clothes. It is just too hot out and people are just too tired to care. But, it feels amazing to be wearing athletic clothes 24/7. Except at night time, I would suggest getting out of them.

Bring a lot of storage

Storage bins. You can never ever have enough of them. Bring more than you think you are going to need. They can hold anything and help organize everything. From hair accessories to socks, storage bins are a must.

You will feel alone

It is okay to feel alone. It happens to everyone. You are going to be standing in a big crowd of strangers looking around thinking, I’m not home anymore. I’m alone. A lot of people think, because you are with people all the time for orientation you will not feel alone. However, they are strangers who know nothing about you. You will feel alone and it is okay, because that feeling won’t last for long.