The countdowns have finally hit single digits until move in day. The summer has flown by and your house is a hot mess consisting of bubble wrap, packing tape, and more storage containers than you can count. You did- you survived high school, and now you’re ready to take on a challenge head first: college.

Freshman year in itself is an emotional roller coaster. You’ll be thrilled at the concept of independence and living on your own. You’ll love the idea of all of your new friends residing within a few feet of your dorm room. You’ll also be hit with waves of nostalgia when you see facebook posts from your friends in high school getting ready for their first marching band competition, or senior night. You’ll feel bad when your childhood best friends venture off and make new friends. The year will consists of the inevitable “what’s your major” and “where are you from” questions. Through the year you’ll realize that independence is exhilarating and often dangerous if you abuse it. It’s the first time you’re on your own and that’s exciting but also terrifying. Here’s a list of other things you should know before starting your freshman year of college:

1. Invest in Your Shoes and Your Mattress

You’re always in one place or another and the comfort of both of these luxuries will make all the difference in your performance through the school year and the rest of your life.

2. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

Whether it be asking an upperclassmen for directions or a professor for guidance on how to pass your next exam, don’t be afraid to ask for help. The major problem that most freshmen have are that they have too much pride. Drop your pride and the moment you start slipping in your grades or your personal life, reach out and get the help you need. Learn this now, and freshman year will go by a lot smoother.

3. Listen to Your Parents

Whether it be anything regarding romantic or platonic relationships, being a teen, or living in the world, trust their advice. It’s much easier to do once you realize you’re all on the same team. Even if you think they’re crazy and annoying, they’re probably right and they’re the only people who truly have your best interest at heart.

4. Education is Your Top Priority

Sure, “Cs get degrees” but they sure don’t land you jobs or admission to grad school. There’s nothing accomplishing about seeing someone at the top of the class in high school on academic probation their first year of college. It is easy to get swept up in the fun aspects that come along with college: the parties, new friends, Netflix and naps, but just remember the main reason you’re in school. Value your education and understand the sacrifices your parents made for you to get the privilege to attend university. Don’t take them or the opportunity for granted and most importantly make them and yourselves proud.

5. The Freshman 15 is Real

I’ve come home for breaks and seen even my smallest friends get hit with the freshman fifteen plague. It mostly comes from the overwhelming dining hall experience, but there’s so much more that contributes to it: binge drinking, stress eating, and new sleeping patterns. No matter how much you try to ignore it, the freshman fifteen is inevitable and your weight will more than likely shift. Just because you gain a few extra pounds does not mean you have to stay best friends with those extra pounds. Most universities offer free gyms, so go on and use them. You’re already paying for your membership!!! Exercise will boost your endorphins, lower your stress levels, and get you that hot body for formal season. You will gain the weight, but you do not have to settle for it at any means.

6. Attend Office Hours

Even if you’re doing well in a class, still go. You should attend office hours at least once a week for each of your classes regardless of your grades. This will help you clarify material for exams, as well as become acquainted with the professor of your 300+ lecture. All college professors are required to hold office hours by the university and more often than not they spend this time sitting around doing leisurely activities. Make the most of their time and yours and get the information you need to lock in your grades. Attending office hours will also help you establish relationships with your professors which will help you later on when you need a letter of recommendation.

7. Hang in There

Like I said, homesickness is real. It might hit you the second your family leaves you in your tiny cube dorm, or it might sneak up weeks later when you’re craving a home cooked meal. No matter what, you’ll miss home. You’re going to miss the small town you vowed to get out of and never return to. You’re going to miss your BO infested claustrophobic hallways and you’re going to miss the characters of high school because after graduation, you will only keep in contact with the people you make all the effort to stay in touch with. Getting through the school year will be a daunting task and will seem unbearable a good amount of the time. Just remember your end goal and your dream career: what you’ve always wanted to be. Remember who you wanted to be when six year old you would confidently get up in front of your class and say “when I grow up I want to be….” and be that person. Don’t let six year old you down.

Stay true to your heart and stay true to yourself. Make the most of this year and appreciate being the baby of college for as long as you can because I promise you this year will fly by and the next thing you know you’ll be a washed up senior desperately wanting to return to your 1743 welcome days your orientation weekend.