Dear recently graduated high school seniors,

Say so long to your title in seniority because it is time to yet again become a freshmen. DUN DUN DUN...

I'm kidding! What you are going through though is going to be one of many large milestones you experience in life. I am sure you have heard the many wise words of college from your family, instructors, mentors, cats and dogs; but take it from me--- a person of the Internet to give you the next life-changing college advice to make your first year dazzle.

1. Look good at orientation

You will have plenty of days to wear sweat pants and pajamas in college, trust me. But do not make this day one. Between all the tours, exploring, and learning more about your college it’s more than likely that you will be taking your student ID photo that day (or as my college counselor called it, a "mugshot"). So do yourself a favor and brush your hair, brush your teeth and smell nice for the sake of those around you.

2. Communicate

You don't need to be a communications major to know that it will be needed in life. If you are lost, ask for help. This is the best time to absorb, learn and re-learn everything about your new school. You might even make a friend along the way.

3. Know your campus

Get there early. There will more than likely be traffic during the first week of school. Get there at least an hour before your classes during the first week of school because at some colleges there is never enough parking. You don’t want to have to park half an hour away and cry about it as you are late to class.

4. Don’t wear other colleges’ logos

Have pride in your school. To you that shirt you bought from the bookstore while touring colleges may just be a shirt, but it will probably send the message that you are a transfer student or on your way out. You worked hard to be where you are today so show some pride in it.

5. Look for sales

Speaking of shirts, I'm sure you are looking into buying some college gear to rep your school. Well my message to your sir or madame is to look for sales. Sign up for your bookstore's e-mail list and be notified on the latest sales. You will be shocked about how much people will charge you just for something with your school name on it (and how strict some return policies can be).

6. It’s OK to be homesick

You will discover that college is a lot about exploring who you really want to be in life. It's OK to feel out of place sometimes and call home or a friend. That should not make you feel as if you have failed. Find yourself.

7. Clubs and Organizations

Look into joining a club or organization if you want to be more involved or make more friends. There are a wide range of clubs that accommodate to majors or personal interests. Find one and if you don't find it immediately don't worry so much. It took me my third year of college to find orgs I was truly interested in and passionate about.

8. Don't be scared; people are nice

For the most part class divisions are not that prominent, especially in college. You may potentially be in a sea of mixed class levels in at least one of your courses. Befriend those above your class level because they may have some helpful advice about assignments or which instructors to take (Rate My Professor can only help so much).

9. Be excited... very excited

As I mentioned earlier, your first year of of college will be one of many milestones you hit in life. Many have feared to have done what you are doing now, so congrats! You did it and you are going to be doing so much more in this new chapter of your life.