Dear New Freshman,

Yeah, you're having to start over. It sounds scary and what not, but we were all there once, and honestly it's the greatest time of your life whether you believe it or not. Being a freshman means so many things. It means getting a chance to make yourself out to be whoever you want! No one knows you, no one knows your story. This means you can create it and make it whatever you would like. Take that opportunity. You don't get it back.

Go out, but don't go wild. Don't be that freshman that gets sloppy at a party and everyone knows about the next day. That's not a good title.

Take the time to do all of the freshman traditions. It seems so silly at the time, but these are the memories you'll have to look back on when you think back to freshman year. They're silly, but they're fun. DO THEM.

Meet people. Don't be scared to talk to the upperclassman in your English class. Chances are they want to talk to you too. No one is "out to get" the freshman, we are just like you.

Call your mom and dad. They miss you and want to talk to you. I still call mine frequently. Let them know how much fun you're having and how much you've learned about growing up. They'll be so proud.

Go on adventures. When your friends pick up and go on a random trip to Asheville for the day just to walk around, go with them. You never know what you'll find. Adventures are fun, but you have to go on them to learn that.

Do your school work. College is easy to get caught up in. The people, the activities around campus, all of it draws you in. But when you have class at 8am, going to a party probably isn't the best idea. Take care of yourself, your body, and your grades. You're paying to be here, don't waste that money on being stupid.

Get involved. Join clubs, go to study groups, play intramural sports, get out there! There's so many opportunities right outside of your dorm room that you'll never know about until you try them. Being involved makes college all the more fun.

Learn to love coffee. You'll be pulling all-nighters for that chemistry exam soon enough, but without the love of coffee I honestly don't know how someone could make it through. College means coffee and caffeine and no sleep, get use to that :-)

Lastly, have fun. College is the best four years of your life. There's never going to be a time in your life where you're living in a place next to 11,000 of your closest friends, and no everyone gets to be here and have this opportunity.. So take advantage of it, and have fun.