Crazily enough, I will be starting my senior year of college this fall. (HELP) Although it is pretty unbelievable to me, it is really starting to feel real when I think about the fact my little brother will be starting at my school as a freshman this fall. He was only a sophomore in high school when I started college so it is kind of crazy I will be seeing him around campus this year. However, I cannot be more excited for him to be around this year and to start an amazing next four years. I am not sure if he will read this as he kind of avoids social media, but here is my advice for him or anyone else starting college this fall.

1. It takes a while to find your true friends.

You probably will hang out with your roommate and floor the first few weeks, and these people may end up being some of your best friends. But just remember, it can take time to find those deeper connections.

2. Do not wear a lanyard around your neck for your keys, id, etc.

I did it. Everyone does it. Try to start a new tradition of freshmen not doing this.

3. Do not be afraid to ask upperclassmen for directions or help if you get lost going to class.

Trust me, upperclassmen are much less scary than an angry professor who hates late students.

4. Go out if you want, but don't ever do it to be cool or follow the herd.

Some people like to go out, some do not. The party scene is a big part of college, but if you are not into it, there is lots of other stuff to do. If you like it, go have fun and enjoy it!

5. Don't pick a major just to have one.

If you really have no idea, it is better to go in undecided. Take classes in areas you are interested in and go from there.

6. Try to get core classes out of the way.

Yes, many of them are easy, undesirable, and boring, but you will thank yourself later on.

7. Do not apologize for your study habits.

Stay up late, get up early to study, go to bed early. As long as your study habits are working for you and not making you get completely unhealthy amounts of sleep, just do what works best for you. Everyone is different, and do what works best for you when it comes to studying.

8. Regulate your meal plan.

I am not much better at this as a senior than I was as a freshman, but be sure to regulate the use of your meal plan. You do not want to end up having no way to eat by December.

9. Buy a rain jacket, umbrella, and rain boots.

I know boys are not as into cute rain gear as girls, but this is something you need to invest in.

10. Be yourself.

Silly and overused advice, but college is truly the time to be your most authentic self. There are no expectations about who you are supposed to be, and you can be who you truly are without a lifelong reputation following you from previous years of school.

11. Don't sign up for an 8 AM class.

I seriously don't know how I got up for school that early every day in high school, but it is impossible in college. Do not sign up for one of these classes unless you have to.

12. Be a good roommate.

You do not have to be best friends with your roommates, but you have to be a decent human being. Freshman roommates are a big lesson about getting along with different types of people. You have to live with them for a year so please don't be a douchebag.

13. Don't sign up for a single room.

Yes, having your own space sounds nice, but you really will be missing out on a lot of great life lessons and potential great friends by opting out of roommates.

14. Do not bring everything you own.

It can be hard to decide what to pack, but trust me, you are going to need a lot less up at school than you think you need.

15. Have a good backpack.

You sometimes are going to not have a chance to come back to your room during the day. Be sure to have a backpack with adequate storage that will not throw your back out.

16. Call your parents.

Even if it is just once a week, call your parents. They love you. They miss you. They want to know how you are doing. It means a lot to them, and it will mean a ton to you.

17. Have your "me time."

College can seem like a constant marathon of classes, homework, and socializing. Be sure to take care of yourself and take a breather every now and then.

18. Find a good local coffee shop.

This will be a huge lifesaver throughout your years at college.

19. Join a club or organization you love.

There is more out there than intramural sports and Greek life. Those are both great, of course, but try to find something you truly will love.

20. Enjoy college.

Nothing is quite like the four years you will spend at college. Make the most of it.