All right, so two hands are insufficient to even begin to describe how many articles I have read aimed at upcoming college freshmen. Whether it was last year, when I was bright-eyed and in the position myself or this year as they have popped up on my social media thanks to the newly graduated, articles of the sort are basically everywhere.

So why am I writing yet another one?

Simple, while the plethora of articles on this topic is definitely a fun read, many of them paint college life with an ultra-glamorous flair that just isn't realistic. I mean yeah, coordinating colors with your roommate and crafting the absolutely perfect hand-monogrammed pillow cases sounds like a blast, but really, one week into college and you're going to wish you had spent your summer preparing a bit differently.

But no worries, I've got your back. After having stumbled, entirely not gracefully might I add, through freshman year, I have compiled a few realistic tips to get all of you upcoming freshman ready for your first year of "adulting."

First, and probably most important, pack realistically.

I go into this tip with full discretion, as I did not do this. At all. I was the girl that literally bent the horizontal bar in my cubby-hole closet due to the sheer volume of "cute" clothing that I brought and did not wear. Candles, throw pillows like you wouldn't believe and pottery -- no joke -- to improve the "ambiance" of my dorm were all packed and toted to Athens only to cause serious anxiety whenever the bass next door was so loud that the walls were literally earthquake-level shaking.

Looking back, I would do things a tad bit differently. I have learned that packing for college should be tackled more like packing for a survival mission than one's first jab at interior decorating, seriously. Things like super glue, a screwdriver, and earplugs -- for the love of all things good, please pack earplugs -- are so much more helpful in the long run than that sixth pair of ankle boots. (Guilty, again. It's hard but so worth it to pare down.) Also, a first aid kit is not only so necessary, but it will probably make you the most popular dorm on the hall. Channel your inner Bear Grylls and you will rock freshman year.

On a similar note to dorm living, learn your way around the grocery store.

You know all of those magical things that just sort of appear in the house? Hand soap, toothpaste, floss... Yeah, they come from the grocery store. Shocker, right?

At the risk of sounding ridiculously immature, I can admit to wandering around the grocery store for much too long the first time I had to restock the dorm necessities myself, and I know I'm not alone in that.

Learn which brands you prefer and where to find those products and your first grocery trip will decrease by like half, I swear it.

When I first visited the UGA campus with my parents during orientation, they had an interesting tip: Find safe zones.

This is a bit grim, I know. Unfortunately, if there is anything that our generation has learned from witnessing news in the 21st century, campuses can at times be dangerous. Whether it is stress from an increased workload or the freedom that comes with living without restraints, even the prettiest of campus settings can hold danger if not approached with a sensible mind.

Now, I know that the world, in general, can be a scary place and there are definitely places more dangerous than a college campus. The difference with a campus is that you don't have the protective parental bubble that has been so comforting in the past.

I'm not suggesting that you live in fear during your first year away at school, but keep your mind about you. Find "safe zones" that can easily be accessed from your most frequented stops, for example, a lively student center close to a favored running trail. If anything, it can give your parents peace of mind as they send you off.

After they send you off and you're living it up as an adult in training for the first time, don't visit home for the first two weeks. Or month.

Why would you want to go home so soon, you might ask? Because college is not glamorous, kids. Adulting is not nearly as much fun as it seems, and the temptation to crawl back home for a home-cooked meal will become unbearable surprisingly fast, regardless of how independent you may think you are.

Of course, visiting home is important, but the first month sans parents is crucial. This is your time to prove to yourself that you can do it, that you can survive some time on your own, and ultimately you will be better for it. If you set a precedent of frequent visits home, you will miss out on weekends on campus, and talk about character building.

For the first few weeks of college, swallow your homesickness and you'll thank yourself later.

Last, but most certainly not least, spend your last few months at home with your family.

I feel like this is cliche, but honestly, it's so necessary.

The urge to spend all of your time with the friends soon to depart to other schools is strong, but time spent with your family becomes much more worthwhile when you're left in the lobby of a dorm on that first night. The moment that you watch that car drive off and realize that you're alone in a new town, well, it's indescribable. It's exciting, but can also feel overwhelmingly terrifying and even a bit lonely regardless of how close you may be with your roommate.

This moment is easier if you don't add regret caused by neglecting your family over the summer.

Long story short, hang out with your family and your transition to college life will go much more smoothly.

Anyway, I hope these tips helped at least a little bit when preparing for a freshman year that will get real, really fast. Best of luck to all the new college students!