Freshman year of college is tough for anyone, especially if you're far away from home. Here are some things I learned since my freshman year is almost over with.

1. Get involved!

Getting involved on campus is going to be the best thing you ever did! When I joined different clubs and organizations on campus, I learned so much about myself. I found out things that I liked and did not like, and even made some amazing friends along the way. These clubs don't have to do with your major, but if they do that's even better! I am working on my teaching degree but was part of a dance company! It is something I love to do, and it broadened my horizons!

2. Be social!

Every freshman in college is scared, especially when going to school where you know no one but maybe your admissions counselor. I was scared at first, but once I started talking to people I made some life long friends and met some amazing people along the way as well. Sure, not all these people you talk to will stay friends with you, but at least you can still say hi to them once in awhile!

3. Spend your money wisely!

Being away from home means you have to fend for yourself, which means being responsible for money. You now have to buy your own food and supplies, which may break the bank! Try and limit yourself to the money you spend each week, or even just in general during the semester. Don't buy food everyday and go to the cafeteria, even though it may not be what you want. You need to save up your money for better things, especially those costly textbooks. Look out for free things offered on campus, and take advantage of that!

4. Make good connections with your professors!

Professors are the ones who can make or break your college career. Sure, you won't like all of them, but if you do well in the class and they see you as a good student, they can help you in the future. They can send in references for potential jobs, especially in your field you are studying, or helping you get jobs on campus. I have found some amazing professors who I would love to have in the future, which can help you as well! You know what professors to avoid for the rest of your career, or know which ones you would enjoy having again! There are some professors you will not be able to avoid, however, so make the most of your time in his or her classes.

5. Befriend upperclassmen.

The upperclassmen know what is going on around campus. They know most of the teachers, best places to eat, what classes to avoid, some organizations on campus, and a plus, they may have a car! The upperclassmen know the ropes of the college, and will help you through anything and give you the best advice about that college. They will be the ones to tell you either to leave or stay.

6. Don't procrastinate!

All-nighters are not what they seem to be. The next day will be torture, even though you may just be going to bed later than normal. If you know you have a big paper due next week, and you have some down time, don't spend it all on Netflix or YouTube. Spend your downtime wisely. If you feel as though you know you will not get anything done sitting in your room, force yourself to go to the library. It will help you get more done because I know that I can't not do work while in the library. If i'm not doing something for class in the library, I feel as though I am not using my space wisely. Even if it isn't the library, find a place on campus where you know you will be able to focus on homework.

7. Don't let yourself become too stressed

This goes along with procrastination. We all experience stress, but stress is absolutely awful. Get assignments done early. That will help, but if you find yourself just stressing over nothing, college is the place to find your de-stresser. Colleges usually offer different things on campus to help, especially when it comes close to finals. They will show movies, offer yoga classes, send out care packages, and there are other things you can even do on your own to de-stress. If you can feel yourself becoming stressed, take a break and breath and do the thing that calms your stress.

8. It is like high school, but you live with everyone you go to class with

You will still have 8 a.m. classes on days, you will still have cliques, you will still be eating from a cafeteria with not so good food, and many other things that resemble high school but with much more freedom and you are not able to escape anyone you go to school with. You will see them all the time, rather than just eight hours a day. Instead of taking pointless classes, though, you will be working towards a career.

9. More freedom.

You will not realize how much freedom you have until the first day of college. You can go to bed at anytime, don't have parents nagging over your shoulder, and many other things you had to deal with at home. With college, you can do what you want when you want without parent's knowing, unless you post stuff on social media that they can see. You can pick the classes you want, and many other freedoms college doesn't offer. You practically have to just share a room with roommates, rather than a house full of your family. Yes, there are still rules to follow, but it is different in college. It feels like when you get your license, but with twice the freedom!

10. Don't waste this opportunity

I have watched lots of people who just party and don't go to classes, and ultimately fail out of college. If you do what you are supposed to, the next four or more years will be the best time of your life. Sure, you will get stressed, deal with heartbreak, and everything that comes with being in college, but there are great things about being in college. Freedom is here and then you will have to work for the rest of your life. Savor this moment in your life, and don't waste what will be some of the best years of your life.