Dear Incoming College Freshmen,

As you finalize your college acceptances, hit Bed, Bath and Beyond for dorm decor, update your wardrobe, get your class schedules, and start counting down the days until move-in, take a step back and remember to slow down. Everyone you meet will tell you that college goes by in a blink of an eye and you'll say you know and carry on as if you do. Funny thing is, you don't. As a second semester college freshmen about to wrap up the first year here is some advice on how to make the most of your time in college:

1. Try new things

You may think you're doing a really good job at trying new things when it's the first few weeks of school and you're hitting club fairs and going to the sporting events, but you have to remember to continue to try new things regardless of how long you've been there. Next thing you know, it's second semester finals week and you still haven't tried the stir-fry line in the dining hall that everyone raves about. Don't not go out and try new things out of laziness.

2. Don't sleep as much as you want

You may think you deserve that midday nap after partying all weekend and dealing with grueling classes all week, but the time you spend in bed sleeping is time that you could spend bonding with people that you're probably going to have to say goodbye to for at least 3 months over the summer. You can rest when you're dead.

3. Spend your money wisely

As much as you want that new shirt from the bookstore, it's the same as every other university logo tee you already have. Save your money to spend on fun experiences like concerts, city trips, and fancy dinners with your friends. The memories are going to last a lot longer than your t-shirt.

4. Take pictures

As much as you're going to want to rush out the door to head to parties, slow down and take pictures with your friends. It's nice to have something to look back on at the end of the year. My friends and I made a memory box where we write stuff that happens and the date and slip it into a shoe box to look back on at the end of the 4 years.

5. Make the most of it

If you're not happy, change what you're doing. Between classes, partying, (hopefully studying), and clubs, you don't have a lot of time to spare. When your time is so precious and flying by a million miles a minute, it's important to step back and make sure you're enjoying what you're doing.

So incoming freshmen, as you embark on this journey I wish you the best of luck. I caution you to always be aware that you only get to be a college freshmen once and it is so important to make the most of it.

Sincerely,

Please reincarnate me as a college freshman