Now before everyone gets their panties in a wad, I know I’m just a college freshman and I don’t even know the half of what true ‘adulting’ is and I’m still pretty sheltered when it comes to living in the real world. But give me a break, I’m just sharing the love with those who are even more sheltered and about to enter the world of college and all of the craziness that goes along with it.

So here goes nothing, these are just a few of the helpful tips I’ve learned in these past two, three-ish months of living the college life.

First of all, let me just tell you this doozy of an oxymoron: college is, at the same, harder and easier than high school. Yeah, I know, weird. Many people can tell you both sides of the coin, that it’s a hundred times harder than high school ever was or that its super easy, and virtually anyone can do it. So here’s the real deal people, you need to put in the effort, no matter how hard or easy it may seem to you. There have been days where classes get cancelled or only last about fifteen minutes of the hour and a half they were supposed to take and then, there have been days that are never-ending with essays piling one on top of the other. College can be overwhelming, so take everything in bite size pieces. Don’t write that essay you were given two weeks in advance the night before its due. Work on it as much as you can stand it, every day, even if that just means doing a paragraph or two a day. You’ll thank yourself later.

Also don’t forget to take care of yourself. I cannot stress it enough, do not let your homework and your responsibilities engulf you. Take time to work out, drink lots of water, and shower regularly (this one is for the sake of the people around because NO ONE wants to smell that). Do it for yourself, for your sanity, and of course for your health. It is not selfish to take a day to just be with yourself and your thoughts. Take the time to wash your face and put on that expensive moisturizer, de-stress and wash the day away. Do your laundry, wash that pile of dirty dishes that has been sitting out far too long, make your bed, and clean up your space. It does wonders for your mind, body, and soul. Never underestimate the power of a clean room and shaved legs, a girl can become unstoppable with just these two simple things.

Next is to get involved and stay involved. Whether it be with sports, Greek life, or campus ministry, try and find your cup of tea. It can expand your horizons in what you are doing on the daily and it can widen your social group. It’s a super easy way to make friends because you’re interacting with people of similar interests as you. Also, getting involved not only help you make friends, but it can alleviate some of those anxious thoughts in your head about how you’re going to be so lonely and never have anything to do with anyone. Those thoughts couldn’t be more false. Once you’re in a group you quickly have events popping up on your calendar and many more people wanting to hang out with you than you could ever imagine. Even if you just join one group or club, I can almost always promise you that you won’t regret taking that chance and that leap of faith, because sometimes it can lead you into your passion in life and help you figure out where you want to go and what you want to do.

The last and probably most important tip I’m giving you today is to remember the Lord and your relationship with Him. Remember that He is one who is always is there who celebrates your highs and cries with you during your lows. He is the only one who will never let you down in your relationship, who will never disappoint or leave you on your own. So pray daily, do your devotions, and go to church. It’s so important to have fellowship with believers, but also, if it’s 4 AM on Saturday night and you’re on the verge of tears because of stress and the amount of homework you have left to do, go to bed. Sleep till 2 PM, wake-up, and get stuff done. Then go to church next week. Church shouldn’t be a burden or something to worry about, it is a time to worship our Savior and a time to learn. So find a church and plug in, find a small group you can go to and be encouraged by. If you’re not in the word, then you’re more susceptible to fall victim to listening to Satan and his lies. Listen to God, learn to pray for your friends, your circumstances, your future spouse, everything. Prayer can answer so many questions in life and it allows you to grow closer to God, and honestly, what could better than that?

Now I know these are probably pretty standard and self-explanatory, but a little redundancy helps ingrain in your brain sometimes. So take my advice with a grain of salt and adapt it how you will. You’re in charge of you and how you want your life to look, so get going!