As the first semester of my freshman year begins to wrap up with finals (boo!), I can honestly say I will miss being at school. I am extremely excited to go home and see my family and friends, and especially my dog, but my time this past semester has been nothing short of incredible.

Get involved from the beginning.

I decided to register for sorority recruitment this past summer in hopes that I would be able to meet more people and a make a large university seem more like home. There are plenty of stereotypes about Greek life, especially in the south, though I strongly believe that deciding to go through recruitment, and subsequently joining a sorority, made the transition to college easier.

While Greek life is not for everyone, joining organizations at the beginning of the school year is so beneficial. I have also registered for Dance Marathon - a school-wide event that raises money for the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals' Child Life program. Amongst other things, being a part of something that I care about, with others who are equally invested, placed me in an environment where I have never felt like my university was overwhelmingly large.

Introduce yourself to everyone. Really, everyone.

Being kind and personable never goes out of fashion. I've tried to make a point to introduce myself to anyone I sit near in class because not only is it really awkward when it's halfway through the semester and I need to get their attention and have to "hey, you.." but it's a good thing to be known as being personable and you never know when it will be nice to have made that connection.

Don't stress if you don't make your "group" right away.

I was fortunate enough to make a solid group of friends fairly early on because sorority recruitment is a week before school starts, so I was able to meet all of the girls in my dorm who were also full of anxiety and stress about recruitment and the beginning of the school year.

I have continued to become friends with people throughout the semester who have also admitted that it's OK to change who you hang out with from the beginning of the year because we're all just trying to figure this college thing out.

It's hard to make time to exercise and be healthy.

The freshman fifteen is no joke. Luckily, I've been able to maintain my weight but I definitely have a hard time making it to the gym because everything else seems much more pressing. The food on campus isn't bad but it definitely is an adjustment from home cooked meals that I was used to and having fresh fruits and vegetables on hand (my mini fridge can barely hold a take-out box, much less some fruit).

Make relationships with your professors.

I was definitely advised by many people to introduce myself to my professors no matter the class size but after doing so myself, I definitely understand the value of these relationships. Professors understand (most of the time), that there are only a few things that make up your grade in the class and that you only meet a few times a week. Therefore, if you need that extra "bump" at the end of the semester for your final grade, they are more likely to do so if they know you.

I know that for one of my classes I struggled on one exam and we only have three in the class, so I went to my professor's office hours. I didn't go to get my grade bumped up, but to advocate for myself because without me having that conversation, there is no way my professor would have known about my work ethic and dedication to the class.

It's OK to get a B.

As someone who has always set themselves to high standards, understanding that your grades aren't the end of the world is important. At the end of the day, it really is just a grade and it will all be OK. If anything, you no longer hold yourself to an unrealistic standard of perfection.

Most importantly, have fun.