Whoever you are, boy or girl, you are about to start a new chapter in your life. Only a couple of months ago, you graduated high school and you're now getting ready for college. Most of you guys are probably leaving home and living without your loved ones for the first time in your life. If you're like me, I was so excited to finish high school and get out of my parents' house. I wanted to have my own rules and do what I wanted to do. However, that may change on move-in day at your college or university. So here are a few pieces of advice I think you all should take into account when moving in comes.

When you are a freshman, you and the rest of the freshman class will probably move in a few days earlier than the rest of the students. This is because most schools put you through a process called 'fall orientation.' Day one of this orientation usually involves you and your parents moving all of your things into your dorm or apartment. Believe it or not, that is the easiest part of this day. Here's another fact; your parents are going to be glued to your side at all times. You need to let them do it! You are not the only one starting something new in your life. They're going to have to adjust to you not being there when they wake up or for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Their 'baby bird' is flying away from the nest. The biggest thing is to let your parents baby and embarrass you one last time.

Another big tip is to not bring every single thing that you own. You may think you need a lot of clothes, shoes, etc. but, you'll probably end up using half of what you actually brought. There is also not a lot of space in most dorms for all of that stuff either. Planning ahead on what you may bring is a good idea. Try and see if you can find a picture or a scale model of the room you're about to move into. Remember, there are probably at least two of you living in the same space so you'll have to realize that your roommate is going to bring a good number of items as well. The more space you have in your room, the more comfortable you'll be throughout the school year.

The last and most important piece of advice is how to balance your classes and social life. As a freshman, you first need to learn what you can and cannot handle. For example, taking eighteen credit hours worth of classes, is NOT a good idea. That is a one way ticket to you being stressed out every single day for the entire semester. That is also another way for you not to have time for friends or any down time. The minimum credit hours should be fifteen; at the most sixteen for your first year. You also need to remember that college comes with double the homework. So having more time to do your homework is always a good thing. Doing your work (reading, papers, studying, etc.) should always be the first thing you do when you don't have a class. The more work you get done, the more time you have to relax and do the things you want to do. TIP: be diligent with your time.

College is definitely something different that most have to get used too. However, once you get the hang of things, it becomes second nature. Try not to take these tips lightly; they may help you in the long run. It might be hard at first but, all of this will be worth it in the near future. All you have to do is keep working and keep doing your best. I have also learned that freshman year goes by quickly so try and savor that time.