Senior year is almost over and you are so pumped that you'll be attending Purdue in the fall! Freshman year of college is one of the biggest milestones of a person's life and you have to make sure you do it right. As a freshman coming to Purdue, I was a little lost. I wasn't sure where to go or what to expect but I am here to help! So future boilermakers, sit back and relax and enjoy my ultimate freshman guide to surviving Purdue...

1. Go to BGR.

Hey you, yes you, I am looking at you, attend BGR! There is no better way to get equipped to college life than a good old orientation. BGR may be a little cheesy but it is one of the few things you'll remember here while at Purdue. You can meet some lifelong friends and make friendships that will make your transition to college a breeze.

2. Don't be afraid to talk to people.

Since the majority of you will be in the dorms, don't be afraid to say hello to your neighbors! You all are in the same boat of being new and lost, so be new and lost together! Having friends in your res hall is a blessing because sometimes you need to get out of your 10x12 room and go to someone else's 10x12 room. Talk to people in your classes, make connections, be bold young one!

3. Classes are going to be hard.

Hello... This is Purdue after all! Don't be freaked out when you fail an exam or get a poor grade on a quiz, it happens to everyone. Purdue is known to be extremely harsh when it comes to grades, so buckle down and study up!

4. Use your resources.

Even though Purdue is incredibly hard, they do offer an endless amount of resources. For those who struggle with writing, the Purdue OWL writing lab offers one on one meetings to get those pesky papers edited. They also offer learning communities which basically means you are put in classes with the same people so you guys can work together and help each other out. Also, your professors or TAs will always have office hours, USE THEM! Also, CAPS (counseling and psychological services) offers students 6 free visits, so if you are feeling depressed, stressed, or anxious, schedule a FREE appointment!

5. Rush, but only if you want to.

Rushing for Greek life happens literally the second you get on campus and it can be intimidating. Rush is a great experience which leads you to a house that you really belong to. If you do decide to rush consider the following: bring dresses for multiple occasions to school, also bring heels you that don't feel like death when you wear them. Registration for formal recruitment opens on June 1st so if you are interested, sign up! You never know what will happen unless you try.

6. Don't be afraid to eat at a dining court alone.

I have always been afraid to eat a dining courts alone, but you can overcome this fear! The dining courts are perfect for eating with friends or grabbing a quick snack, either way eating alone isn't scary. So many people eat alone on the daily, there is no shame in doing it.

7. Check your syllabus before asking questions.

Nothing is more embarrassing than having your professor answer your question by saying, "it was in the syllabus". Read through your syllabus at least once before class to avoid any awkward encounters with your prof.

8. Figure out the bus system early.

The bus can be a life saver, especially if you live far from the academic part of campus (aka McCutcheon). Figure out where each bus picks up and it will save your life. BONUS: the app DoubleMap will be your bus bible, you're welcome.

9. Take your ID everywhere.

You need your Purdue ID for most exams and to get into your dorm, so it's best you keep it close. One recommendation for keeping your ID safe is to get the sticky holder that sticks to the back of your phone, it is a life saver. (ps, please don't wear a lanyard around your neck, just don't)

10. Don't waste your swipes.

Unless you have the unlimited meal plan, wasting your swipes can be prevented! On the go is an excellent option when it comes to getting rid of swipes. Grab some snacks on Friday and you are good to go for the weekend.

11. Learn your limits with alcohol.

College can be a big party but that doesn't mean you can't be responsible. Be smart while at parties and while drinking, college is a time you will want to remember.

12. Find your best place to study and stick to it.

For me, Krach is my holy land when it comes to getting some studying done. There are multiple places to study such as Hicks underground library, HSSE library, Krach leadership center, even the dorms have great study places. Find a place where you can focus and own it.

13. Get organized early.

Nothing is harder than attempting to get your life together half-way through the semester. The majority of your assignments will already be on Blackboard so write those in a planner before classes start. Being organized will help you be less stressed throughout the semester.

14. Trust Blackboard with your life.

Blackboard has everything you need to succeed here at Purdue. This is where your homework, assignments, and some quizzes are. Blackboard has all of the information from your classes and is your biggest resource at Purdue.

15. Try to stay somewhat active.

For those high school athletes who are ending their sports careers, please stay active. Nothing is more defeating than gaining 15 pounds and getting winded while going up a flight of stairs. Try to hit the gym at least a few times a week. Staying in shape while in college is possible!

16. Be yourself.

Lastly, just please be who you are and who you want to be. As cliche as that sounds, college is literally the time to reinvent yourself. If you weren't happy with who you were in high school, fix it! Here at Purdue we push the Free Zone, which is where you can be who you want to be, no judgement. Be yourself and make the most of your college experience.

Have a great freshman year and don't forget to Boiler up!