1. It's OK to change your major.
I don't know how many times I changed my major this past year. All I know is I seemed to be talking to my advisor every other day. At first, I was freaking out because I was supposed to know what I wanted to do with my life. But I slowly realized that it's OK that I don't know what I want to do yet. I don't necessarily need a major, because college is the place where I will (hopefully) discover what I want to do with my life and I don't need to rush that process.
2. The people you're friends with at the beginning of the year aren't necessarily the same people you're friends with when you leave for the summer.
The very first people you meet at college aren't necessarily the type of people you would normally be friends with, but you're friends with them because you don't know anyone else. It's OK to not be friends with them at the end of the year, because you meet so many incredible people throughout the rest of the year, and they do, too. You were friends at a crucial time, but now you've both found great friends that you spend your time with.
3. Go to your professor's office hours.
I didn't start going to office hours until my second semester, but I'm glad I did. Office hours are a blessing that not everyone takes advantage of. Whether you need help with an assignment or some life advice, your professor can help. In fact, professors seem to appreciate the students who go to office hours, because they can tell you're putting effort into their class, and you may sometimes be rewarded with more help on exams than your fellow classmates.
4. Get involved.
When I say get involved, I don't mean join every single club you see a flyer for. Join a club that you might be interested in, because it could end up changing your life. Don't be afraid to try something new. You just might surprise yourself. Get involved early so you don't spend the next few years wondering what could have been.
5. It isn't the end of the world if you decide to transfer.
Transferring isn't the end of the world, and in my case, it's the best decision I've made since arriving on campus. Even though I've made some great friends and encountered life-changing professors, I realized that this college isn't for me. I'm not happy and I don't feel as if I will reach my full potential here. I didn't think it would matter where I went to college, as long as I got my degree. I quickly realized that it's very difficult to excel at a place you aren't happy at.
