I did it. I finished my first year of college.

PHEW. Thank God that’s over!

Just kidding.

I actually really enjoyed my first year of college, but I did stumble and fall along the way. So, if you are a senior in high school or if you have just finished your first year of college or if you are reading this for nostalgic purposes, you have come to the right place for some advice.

Part 1: The Basics

1. KNOW HOW TO DO LAUNDRY.

Please, please, please! Teach yourself BEFORE YOU LEAVE FOR COLLEGE how to do laundry and how to fold laundry. It was so embarrassing during my first week of college, literally sitting in the laundry room almost bursting into tears because I didn’t understand how the laundry machines worked. I almost called my mom, but then my roommate came to rescue me and taught me how tide pods worked and how to set timers for everything. Don’t be like me. Please.

2. Know how to budget.

My first trip to the super-market was insane. I bought over fifty dollars worth of food because I forgot that I had to pay for everything myself. Make sure to plan out exactly how much money you are going to spend each week on food and other necessities so you don’t run out in the first week of the semester. I still need to work on this but having a slight understanding of it when you first get on campus is the best way to get started.

Part 2: The Academics

1. Don’t be afraid to see your professors outside of class.

I know I have already written a whole article about this already, but I just wanted to reiterate. I went to a high school that fostered this faculty-student relationship and I found it to be extremely beneficial. Professors don’t want to fail their students; they really do care about you as this is the beginning steps into adulthood. So go and see them every chance you get. Plus, they could turn into mentors!

2. STUDY!!!!

Okay, I got into senior spring my last year of high school and I got under this mentality that I never want to study again. Oh, honey. Nooooo. You need to make sure you study as best as you can. It’s better to over-study then to not feel prepared at all.

Part 3: The Social Life

1. Friendships come and go and don’t be afraid of that.

College is the first time in your life when you can start over fresh and be the person who you truly want to be. And people will gravitate towards that confidence. But don’t fret if people come in and out of your life. My friend once told me that your life is like an elevator, some people get on and stay on and others leave. Just let it happen.

2. Be kind to yourself.

This is the best and worst stage in your life. You are just figuring out who you are and you are showing people that for the very first time. You will learn a lot about yourself in your first month or even your first week of college and some things you will find that you dislike and other things you will find that you like. Don’t be afraid of that. You will change and continue to morph into this person who is truly you.

My freshman year has taught me so much. And I am so grateful for the friends I have made along the way. So thank you to everyone who has been there and been a part of my journey. Can’t wait for three more years with you all! See you all in the fall!