It’s your first day of college and your parents drop you off to a foreign place that is now going to be your new home. It’s a box shared with one other person that you may or may not know.

It’s okay to be scared because I definitely was. This is a time where you can be whoever you want to be. It’s not very often you get handed a fresh start, make sure you take advantage of it. Do things that you never thought you would do. Adopt a whole new persona and run with it. This is a time in your life where the only thing that matters is your grades and yourself. Freshman year isn’t going to be easy, but don’t dwell on it.

There will be nights where you just want your own space and your moms home cooked meals, but it will be okay. You are going to learn so much from your first year away.

School is extremely important so make sure you go to class. Unfortunately, attendance is still a thing in college and it counts towards your grade. If you fail your first exam don’t sweat it, there will be points to make up for it. College is a full-on learning experience, not just for academics, but for yourself. Make sure you have a good balance between fun and school.

Keep your door open the first few weeks, but if you don’t find your best friend right away don’t sweat it, it will happen eventually. Parties can be fun, but they aren’t everything. Movie nights can be just as fun; it took me a long time to learn that. It also helps to get involved in something. There are so many different organizations and sports teams to be apart of. This will help with creating a balance and building your resume from day one.

The freshman 15 is a real thing so make sure you watch yourself. I can’t tell you how easy it is to eat late night snacks with your friends at the caf after hours of studying.

Freshman year is an adventure like no other. Enjoy it while it lasts because it will go by so fast. I guess that’s just how college is.