Moving somewhere new can be intimidating and a little overwhelming, but having some advice to go off of can ease a little stress from your mind. Whether you are nervous about dorm-life or the whole change in the schooling experience, you will make it through while even learning a few life lessons along the way.

One thing to always remember is that every day is a chance to make mistakes and learn. You can’t put yourself down because of one bad experience. The important part is to not make the same mistake twice. Live and learn is one of the most important lines to get you through the next four (or more) years.

As I started off my freshman year a year ago, I had to remind myself to put myself out there and meet new people because it never hurts to know another name when walking through campus.

When I thought about starting school in an unfamiliar town all on my own, I’m not going to lie: I had quite a few breakdowns and was not sure what I would do without my best friend (my sister of course), my parents, and the comfort of my pets.

But to reassure all who feel they will be extremely homesick, you will feel more at home then you think you will be. And for those who think they won’t ever get homesick, you will at some point. Home cooked meals and a warm hug from your family will always have a place in your heart.

But that doesn’t mean the independence you gain from your freshman year and the random encounters you have will mold and affect you more than you realize. I encourage you as new students to reach out and step out of your comfort zone because you could end up finding a friend because you and her life on the same floor are both confused on the same math course.

You never know what will happen if you take a chance. I promise everyone else has felt the way you are at one point in time.

You'll want to be able to attend every event and be extra social towards the beginning of the year because everyone you meet will seem like they are. But remember why you are there, at school, and don't get distracted from what is most important.

Be involved and have fun but remember to stay focused. This part of your life is a major opportunity to learn time management and figure out what works and what doesn't.

As you drive down to move in, let all of the emotions come, be overly excited but also allow yourself to freak out. It’s okay that you are stressed, but remember to breathe. I think what I have really come to recognize is that when you prepare for college, it isn’t about preparing for what you will bring down or having the right supplies for your major’s classes, but it is more about preparing for what you learn outside the classroom.

What you will learn in internships and group projects, what you discover about yourself, the friendships/relationships you build, and how you learn to figure life out the best you can. Get ready to make some of your favorite memories these next few years because they’re ones you can never relive.