My second semester is quickly approaching, but I'm not as inexperienced as I was five months ago. Though I'm not a master in the art of understanding college, I have more of an idea of how to have a better semester! Some are humorous and some are serious yet they all have a purpose.

Knowing what school supplies you actually need

You really don't need 20 folders and a lot of notebooks. A 5-subject notebook is fine.

Having at least one person to hang out with daily

It was tough in the beginning, but I found the people I am the most similar to. It'll take time and it's so worth it.

Hopefully* doing homework and assignments in a timely manner

*Key word: hopefully

When you know what frats you should avoid

Either it's the location, the guys, the alcohol... or a combination of all three.

When you know what frats you should go to

As said before: it's the location, the guys, the alcohol... or a great combination of all three.

Being OK with staying in for the weekend

Partying or being with friends all the time is exhausting. You deserve a day to be alone and just relax from a hard and busy week.

Preparing to go to the dining hall more, because treating yourself really hurt the bank account

The dining hall was great for the first month, yet it gets a little boring. Sometimes I would splurge on food trucks or going out... but then I looked at my bank account and realized that it's not worth it.

Understanding that some of your friends are not good study-buddies

Sometimes friends are the ultimate distractions. Going into second semester, I have found the line between those who help me get good grades and those who won't.

Studying for real this time, because a quick glance isn't going to cut it

Please don't procrastinate and wait until the last minute. And also, don't look at the work and think that winging it will be fine: studying will always help.

10 friends or 100 friends doesn't change who you are...

Everyone is different. Don't compare yourself to the person who is popular and always has plans. Your path is what's important!

...so don't change to have more friends, when it doesn't really matter

I was always self-conscience about how many friends I had or didn't have. It created a lot of negative thoughts when I should have been seeing the bright side of things.

Have fun and explore, but remember what's important to you

Don't overwork yourself so it seems that you're very outgoing, do what you have time for. College is where you learn about yourself and begin to create a pathway to your future. Have fun and be prepared... but always remember to treat 'yo self!