This is for all the high school seniors, who like me, stalked every possible article for the inside tips and tricks about how to excel in college. As a second semester freshman, I talked to a few of my friends and came up with a few points about how to succeed in college without really trying (yes, it’s kind of like business, and no, it’s not like a musical).

There are some easy tips like doing your laundry in the mornings during the week when you don’t have class so you don’t have to wait for a washer. Or always being at least ten minutes early to class so you get your unassigned seat and have time to take out your supplies. There are study tips like having several locations to study in, or having at least two people you know in each class to study with. (These people also come in handy when you have the stomach flu and physically can’t go to lecture).

Most of the “tricks” for college, however, are much more subjective. I would argue that the best thing you can do for yourself is to get up at least an hour before your first class, make your bed, shower, look presentable and be ready for the day. Yes, there are always kids who roll out of bed five minutes before lecture and show up in sweatpants, but trust me, you will be so much more awake, alert, and ready for the day if you have had time to get up, get ready, eat a decent breakfast, and have enough time to be in class early. And yes, I did say to make your bed. One, it’s where everyone who comes in to your room sits, and two, it makes your room and your life feel more put together.

A big one, and my personal downfall, is having a budget. The stereotype of a couldn’t-possibly-be-more-broke college student is all too true. It’s beyond easy to blow through what little money you have on going out to eat with friends, online shopping, or unnecessary groceries. Be strict with yourself, and if you have a job, try to put some of those earnings into a savings so when you have months where you need more money, you have it. It’s the worst feeling to have to say “no” to a possible outing because you only have two dollars to your name.

Lastly, do everything you possibly can. You only get four short years in college, and it absolutely flies by. Don’t let opportunities pass you by. Go do the seemingly stupid activities with your friends, stay up late when you can, go to concerts, art museums, science museums, take the day trips to surrounding cities, go cheer on your school at soccer, basketball and hockey, and most importantly, have fun.

“Sleep more than you study, study more than you party, and party as much as you can.”