Maybe only having one year of college experience under my belt isn't a lot to some, but all that information acquired in a year taught me more than enough. College is such a unpredictable, cruel, yet captivating and thrilling four years that really throw people out into the real world. So having at least a general idea might be able to guide you in the ride direction. I'm not going to go into massive detail, because that would ruin the fun for all of you freshmen, but I'll tell you a few things that helped me through my first year.

First off, college is a whole new world. Yeah, you've heard all the cliche sayings: "It's the next chapter in the journey of life" and "these will be the best years you'll experience," which are both true, so take full advantage of that. The first weekend of your freshman year should be one you never forget. The people you meet, the fun you have, and the memories you make will be the everlasting mark of the start to college. Do not be shy at all. Everyone is nervous and uncomfortable at times, but you're going to be around these people the next four years so make the best of it.

Time management is key. Taking 17 credit hours on top of a part-time job and trying to find clubs and have a social life with enough sleep seems impossible. Sometimes you have to sacrifice one thing for another, but eventually you'll be able to prioritize all your activities, or you'll just drown in it all. Try not to do that. Planners will be your lifeline. I can't tell you how many times I forgot little papers or quizzes because I didn't write it down in class. The first few weeks are a breeze, but don't let that trick you. Come finals, you're going to wish that it was still syllabus week. An endless number of duties is going through your head, and the days actually do fly by, so you have to try and stay on top of the game.

All-nighters do, in fact, work. Maybe this isn't the best advice, but I can tell you from experience it can be a success. I used to listen to people when they said "you won't retain any knowledge if you just stay up and study all night." False. I once drank probably the equivalent to my body weight in coffee last year for my biology final when I knew nothing the day before and then ended with an A. And it was over 20 plus chapters—so I promise, an all-nighter won't hurt every now and then. Plus, what is college without doing that with your friends and freaking out at 5 a.m. when you realize your test is in four hours? It's all a part of the experience.

Speaking of academics, make sure that stays your priority. Distractions will constantly be lingering around you, so you have to watch out and not give in. The reason you're paying $20,000 a year is to sit in class and learn, so try to pay attention every now and then. And a lot of the time, your general education classes are actually the classes you do your most work in. You'll have plenty of readings, and little papers that won't take much effort, but they will boost your grade. Assignments like that can easily be accomplished even 15 minutes before class: trust me, I would know.

Lastly, don't forget your family and friends back home. I know it's so easy to go up and move away because you're ready for that part of your life, but remember the people who got you there. It won't kill you to take 15 minutes out of your day to give mom and dad a call or wish your grandma happy birthday. Send your best friend a text back home to make sure they know you're still thinking of them. They want to know how you're doing and they are definitely the ones to go to if you're feeling homesick or uncomfortable where you are. But regardless, you're now "in the next chapter of your life," as every senior graduation speech would say. So make sure to breathe, study hard, and most importantly, enjoy everything that you do because you'll never have another freshman year of college again.