I remember being an incoming freshman in college, eager to start the new fall semester at Rutgers University. My mind was set on the idea that I would immediately integrate into the college community, both socially and educationally. I knew very little about the tips and tricks that would actually serve to smooth my rocky transition to college.

First and foremost, as human beings, we need a healthy balance between work and play. This is reiterated many times, but is it really taken into consideration? I think not. Listening to your body is a crucial skill you need in order to better take care of it and learn what it needs for you to prosper. I thought I was mentally sound upon entrance to university, constantly pressuring myself to excel unrealistically on assignments that turned out to be much more difficult than I thought. Taking care of one's body, and therefore mind, is the foundation to a balanced lifestyle.

Once you become a student at your respective university with a healthy mind, make sure you do your research as to which classes (during your fall semester) are the ones that will help you transition into college as a freshman student. Try not to take combinations of higher-level courses, as these can make your emotional and mental transition into college a lot more difficult than it should be. I remember randomly deciding to become a physics major during the day of registration, and a few days later I had a change of heart. On the day of registration, try to register for general education classes first, before deciding to take classes for a specific major you have in mind. If you truly want to, you may add some high-level courses for your major, but these should be balanced with easier courses that fulfill general education requirements.

Remember to make time to get involved on campus. Many beneficial educational programs and internships require that students have previous experience in leadership positions. Find something you are passionate about, whether it may be playing a sport, playing an instrument, or writing stories! Your passion for something will show on any future education program or job application/interview. You don't want to miss out on good opportunities that are begging to be discovered.

The trick is to enjoy your college experience and make time for things that matter to you. A healthy mind is the most important thing, because it allows for the body to work efficiently and effectively. Take care of yourself, do your research, and follow your passion. The rest is easy.