The day you send your first application to the college of your choice, you experience feelings of excitement and apprehension. You may start having mixed emotions about what you want and what others want for you. College is a whole new experience; the specifics are blurred and everything is brand new. Living in the dorms my freshman year has opened my eyes to different types of personalities, perspectives and opinions that I had yet to discover. Looking back on my first year, it's cool to see how far I've come.
1. Be open minded
Don't be afraid to try new things; throw fear out the window and go with the flow. Don't be afraid to join clubs and organizations that seem intriguing, you will eventually find something you enjoy. The whole point of going to college is not just to get a degree, but to find what you are really passionate about. I really had to learn to be more relaxed and not worry so much about what people will think if I do this or that. At the beginning of the year a couple of friends of mine asked me to go with them to a lookout spot that was near our school. I was hesitant, because I didn't know them that well and I had no idea what we were doing exactly. I decided to forget my preconceived notions and go with them. The lookout spot ended up being one of the most amazing parts of Colorado I had ever seen. Most of my favorite memories from this year have been the ones that were just random trips we have taken to get away from campus.
2. Learn to love
From the campus to the people, learn to love everything. The moment I first drove onto the Regis University campus in Denver, I knew it was the school for me. The natural beauty of the campus and the friendliest people I had ever met, made it feel right. I have grown to love Regis not just as a school but as my second home. Friends will be one of the most valuable assets you take away from college, as they will help you become the best version of yourself. Learning to love was a hard venture for me; this concept changed my life for the better. 
3. Attempt to budget
In college, spending money is much easier than it was at home due to the fact that your parents aren't there to tell you not to waste money on this or that. Trust me, I know that it is really fun to be able to eat out and go shopping. Whatever you do with your money, once it's gone, so is your temporary happiness. Basically, save every penny, they will come in handy when you have to pay for parking.
4. Independence is great
Living with hundreds of people 24/7 makes it easy to rely on others for entertainment. When you can go down the hall to talk to someone about homework for a class, then go upstairs to your friend from statistics, and talk about going hiking this coming weekend is awesome. Eventually, a time comes when you need to be resourceful, and come up with tasks for yourself that keep you motivated. Independence is key in college. Unlike high school, you will have much more free time throughout the day. 
5. Enjoy your time, it goes by fast
In the end, all that matters other than your education is your time in college. Four years is not that much time. I look back now; It's hard to believe that my freshman year is almost over. I remember move in day as if it were yesterday. What a year it has been! Here I am practically a sophomore already thinking about changing my major for the second time. Some of the best advice that I can give to upcoming freshmen would be to enjoy every moment; make it count!
