There are plenty of helpful tips to know before beginning your freshman year of college besides how to avoid the oh-so-real Freshman 15. From picking classes to adjusting to a new home, knowing a few tricks of the trade never hurts when starting a new chapter in your life, especially college!

1. Do not, I repeat, do not wear your lanyard around.

2. It is totally okay to second guess everything in the beginning.

3. You do not have to go out all the time to have fun.

4. Do your research before signing up for classes.

5. And the same goes for buying your textbooks.

6. Do not be too hard on yourself if you don’t get the grades you were used to in high school.

7. Try your best to be friends with your roommate.

8. Form good study habits before you realize it’s too late to salvage your final grade.

9. Get involved early.

10. If you live in a dorm that is in a more isolated part of campus, you may have to try harder to make friends.

11. There will be a lot of walking involved.

12. Be prepared to prioritize and use your free time wisely.

13. You might not find your group of best friends your first year.

14. Don’t mess around when it comes to laundry.

15. Make your new city/state/town/neighborhood your new home!

This list is a compilation of things that I learned in my freshman year, things I realized after finishing my first year, and just other tips that will make the adjustment easier for you. Of course, everything will depend on the type of person you are and the school you are attending, but I hope this list is helpful for anyone who is an incoming freshman this year! Although this is just a fraction of the things you may learn to be relevant in college, it is important to let your first year be a learning experience!