Well, once this article is posted, I will officially have graduated from Rhode Island College as part of the Class of 2018. And this will also be my last article on Odyssey.

Everything that’s happened this past week has been bittersweet: I received my diploma and I was lucky enough to become a part of a great online community such as Odyssey.

But, it is with a heavy heart I’ve had to say goodbye to a lot of people and it is with a heavy heart I also say goodbye to Odyssey. So, after having gathered four years of experiences from RIC, I thought it was appropriate to end on a high note.

For my final article, I will be passing along my wisdom to anyone entering college in the fall, to anyone graduating next year, or to anyone who has no idea when they’re graduating. As long as you remember these ten important things, you’ll be able to make your college experience that much more memorable.

1. First and foremost, four years are going to go by in a flash, so cherish every. Single. Moment. Although we all like to complain, we’ll have memories from our experiences that will last us a lifetime.

2. The friends you make in college will be there for you through it all. Just make sure to pay attention to the people you surround yourself with.

3. There are really good and really bad professors. The really good ones are going to be the ones you want to keep in your corner.

4. Join a club! Even though I never did, I’ve heard they’re the way to go and the best way to meet people.

5. Take a school-funded field trip with your besties! It’s a great way to grow closer to them.

6. Even though you might be tired or stressed out from homework or think you don’t have any time to waste, TAKE A NIGHT TO GO OUT WITH YOUR FRIENDS! It’ll really help you to de-stress.

7. If you’re a freshman, get a feel for the campus a few weeks before classes. You’ll feel a lot better if you have a general idea of where the buildings are, especially if your campus is very large. Plus, you’ll run less of a risk being late the first two days.

8. Parking is always terrible the first couple weeks of classes in the fall. Even if your class isn’t until 10, leave an hour or so before just to get a good parking spot. You’ll be grateful you did.

9. DON’T PROCRASTINATE!! At least start your huge papers and projects a little bit ahead of time. It will make you feel better to at least have a small portion of it all done before it’s due.

10. If you’re graduating, just a heads up: your diploma case will be empty.