As overwhelming as the first week of college is, I’m already a big fan of it. With the workload being a heap ton more than I was expecting, the walk between classes being a pain and a built in little cardio workout, and making enough hours in the day for time to sleep — it can be a bit much to handle. You probably will feel engulfed with just everything that is happening around you, but once it all sinks in, it will all be free flowing from there on out. Overall, I think the main thing about starting college is being open. You’re going to be handed so many opportunities that will be completely worth taking. And if you were to miss them, then regret will most likely be on your side.

Don't think something is stupid.

If there is a social event somewhere to meet new people, go. There's no reason you shouldn't. You don't have any homework yet and you most likely don't know very many people so you won't have any major prior commitments. Everything is all brand new and if you don't try it out, then you're basically missing out on a huge aspect of what college actually is.

Have common decency and manners.

This should be a universal rule. But walking around your college campus, people seem to just give off a more mature and sensible vibe. Your life is your responsibility now. You have the responsibility to exist with the kindest most possible manner there is. There is no one there to remind you of doing so.

Actually come prepared to classes.

Right when you walk into a college class, you're slammed with a handful of information about what to expect and how to be successful in the class. Don't blow off assignments and studying like they're nothing because you probably won't be able to make up for the points you've lost. It might suck having so much work on your plate, but this is what you signed up for and technically it's your job.

Place yourself out of your comfort zone.

Because it is college, there will be tons of different opportunities all the time like social events, sporting games, and club fairs. I'm personally not the most social human being out there, but what motivated me to put myself out there is knowing that pretty much every other freshman is in the same boat as me. We're all just as anxious about a new beginning. Being antisocial and withdrawn will only make your college experience less enjoyable.

Bring photos.

While packing what seems like your life to bring with you to college, there's one thing you should definitely prioritize and that is photos. If you're ever feeling homesick, you'll have photos of the people and places you love the most. Also when you bring new friends back to your dorm, it's always fun telling the stories behind each of the photos.

You'll have a lot more free time than you expected.

During the week, you might have classes that are spread out widely throughout your day, which means you'll probably have a good amount of free time on your hands. That isn't a bad thing at all. It's only the first week of my freshman year of college and I've already realized how important alone time is. There's not much privacy to begin with so any time you can get to yourself, take it. It'll feel good to just spend some time in your room without your roommate, being able to freely walk around and maybe take a nap. You don't always have to be doing something with people. Make time for yourself because once you get to college, complete privacy will no longer exist anymore.

Everything and everyone is new. It will take time to adjust to the huge change. The best thing you can do for yourself is to stay calm and collected and keep yourself grounded.