Dear incoming college freshman,

You've graduated high school and you're now onto bigger and better things. As you hang up your varsity jacket and put on your new college sweatshirt instead, there are many things you need to remind yourself of before entering this crazy new life.

College is a wild world of trying new things, finding yourself, staying on top of your grades and meeting new people. You will constantly be balancing responsibilities and pushing your limits. As eventful and free as college is set out to be, it is not all fun and games. It's hard work. It's expensive. And it's exhausting. However, as overwhelming as it may be at times, you will get through it.

The day you move into your freshman dorm is going to be a whirlwind of emotions. You will meet your roommate (who will hopefully become your best friend), hug your parents goodbye, and start getting to know the other people in your hall. Really take this time to put yourself out there. These are the people you will be surrounded by constantly and the sooner you make new friends, the better. These people are going to be there to let you in when you forget your key, pregame with you before going out, and pull caffeinated all-nighters with you during finals week. It's important that you establish a strong social circle with people you trust and know will look out for you when you need it.

Do not let the freedom of living without your parents get to your head. You still have responsibilities. Nobody is going to wake you up and force you to go to school. You have to be in charge and get yourself to your 9 am classes. If you miss class, it's on you. Skipping class does not only make you look bad, but it also sets you much further behind and wastes money. Don't forget that you are literally paying to go to school.

When it comes to going out, be safe. Always keep friends by your side and never trust people that you don't know. Never take drinks from strangers and always keep an eye on your cup. You never know when a random person could slip something in your drink and it's always better to be safe than sorry. And don't ever be afraid to say "no". You are in charge of your body, what it does and what it consumes. If you don't feel comfortable doing something, don't do it. Peer pressure exists in college just like it does in high school and having the willpower to not conform to those around you is a good thing.

Stay on top of your grades. You are going to be juggling a lot, from having a social life, joining clubs and your grades. Remember that your degree is the reason that you are in school. Actually, take the time to study for your tests and expect to have to write short answers on just about every exam. Also, expect nothing you've learned from your semester to be on those exams.

With all of this being said, take the time to enjoy freshman year. Don't hold back and let yourself have a fun wild year. I wish I could go back to being a freshman all the time because I made so many memories that I hold near and dear to my heart. There were so many new things occurring, but I hardly ever felt overwhelmed because I dove headfirst into the chaos and made the best of my year. Take the time to make friends with good people who will be there for you, support you, and will be by your side in having a successful and fun year. Find your true self without giving into peer pressure. Look out for yourself because, at the end of the day, you are the only person capable of making your decisions.

Focus on your grades and don't let the expectations of a wild and 'typical' college experience take away from the reason you are at college. Go to class. Do your work. Earn your degree. It surely won't earn itself. But enjoy it. Embrace it. Have fun and be a little wild. You're only a college freshman once and it's definitely going to be a memorable year.