There is so much more to learn in college outside of the classroom.

For most people, freshman year of college includes a lot of firsts. Moving out of your parent’s house, living with strangers, being heavily exposed to alcohol and, most of all, making choices on your own. Your freshman year is inevitably going to be filled with mistakes, and all you can do is learn from them. So here are tips, in an easy to read format, for all you freshman.

1. Have an open mind... about everything. It's so easy to make excuses to your friends to avoid hanging out with them or doing something out of your norm. Most of my favorite college experiences were when I went somewhere new and was able to meet amazing people I would have never met otherwise.  Going through college with an open mind really does make a difference. "Yes, man!" is my suggested approach during college; you will be guaranteed to make the most of your freshman year. 

2. Go to the gym. Freshman 15 is very real, and it is not attractive. You will spend the next summer trying to lose the weight you have gained during your first year of school. Plus, working out makes you feel so much better, especially if you're not having the best of days. 

3. Don't procrastinate.
 Procrastination is my middle name. Staying up all night and just starting a 10 page paper at 9 p.m. is fun and all, but it is not the most efficient way to conquer your freshman classes. Staying ahead in your classes is the easiest way to excel and feel more comfortable with your grades.

4. Living in a dorm isn't all that bad. When else are you going to be able to live with 20, or more, people and it's socially acceptable? Take advantage of living with the people on your hall, and make friends with a lot of them. These are relationships that you will have all through college. Not only that, you will have so many more closets when you need an outfit to wear to your first date party.  

5. Don't post pictures with alcohol. You're probably not 21 and no one wants to see that, especially not future employers or (maybe) your future sorority house. Your parents want to see the fun you're having, but they don't want to publicly see they are spending their money on you to drink your way through college.  

6. Enjoy yourself. The most important aspect of college is to enjoy yourself and make lasting relationships. Your GPA and focusing on the future is very important, but college is also about having fun.

Welcome to the best four years of your life. Make the most of it while finding yourself and making killer grades.