The week before college starts can be hectic and overwhelming--especially if you are still finalizing class, work, and extra-curricular activity schedules. You might even find yourself dreading the upcoming semester because of so many variables and uncertainties. But listen carefully.

Don't live for the weekend. Don't live for winter break. And don't live for graduation. You would be missing out on so much precious time. Live in the present and be grateful for every moment.

You don't want to just survive. That being said, here are 9 tips for thriving in the upcoming semester:

1. Know your class schedule.

Go into your first day back knowing the starting and ending times of each class and the building and room number in which it is located. Do a walk-through the day before and print out a copy of your schedule or take a screenshot of it on your phone. This will save time and will be one less thing to worry about.

2. Get to campus early.

Give yourself sufficient time to get ready, eat breakfast, and drive to campus each morning--especially the first week. Make sure to check for road closings so you don't have any unpleasant surprises. It's also important to get there early the first day so you can get a decent parking spot and won't have too trek across campus to get to your class.

3. Bring supplies to class the first day.

Sure, you'll mostly just be going over the syllabus, but you definitely want to have a writing utensil so you can jot down important dates and information. It will also come in handy to have a notebook if your professor does start lecturing. You never know. It's better to be prepared.

4. Read the syllabus.

I'm serious. READ THE SYLLABUS. All of it. It tells you when assignments will be due and how you will be graded. It literally tells you how to get an A in the class. Read the syllabus, Luke. The syllabus is there to help you, Luke. Luke, trust me. Read the syllabus, Luke.

5. Use a semester calendar.

A semester calendar is a nifty little tool that you can find at the student center or library. It allows you to see every day of day of the semester on a single piece of paper. My advice is to look at each of your syllabi (see #4) and transfer the due date of every homework assignment, paper, quiz, and exam onto the semester calendar.

Come on, you gotta make sure you don't have a final exam the day after "The Last Jedi" premieres, right?

6. Sleep.

The National Sleep Foundation recommends that young adults ages 18-25 get 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Getting enough sleep is so important because it improves concentration and gives you more energy. Sleep should always be a priority.

7. Get involved.

You will enjoy your college experience so much more if you join an organization, volunteer in the community, make new friends, go to sporting events, and work on campus. You won't regret it.

8. Work hard. Play hard.

Have a balance. Study, do your homework, manage your money wisely, and be responsible; but also hang out with friends, relax, do something you enjoy, and play board games or video games.

9. Make time for your family.

Everyone will be running in different directions, but make sure to let your loved ones know you care about them and are thinking about them. Go home for the holidays. Watch your little brother's football game. Go shopping with your sister. Play cards with your grandparents. Call your mom and talk to her about your day. Shoot your dad a text saying you are safe. Make time for them.

Start the semester off on the right foot and finish strong!