Entering your first year of college can be wicked nerve wrecking but seriously guys and gals, we’ve all been there. So as you get ready to move in and start classes, here’s a little advice.

1. Don't panic. College isn’t like high school where upperclassmen would tell the freshies that their classes were on the third floor next to the pool. We’ve all been there so when you don’t know where you’re going, ask.
2. Download google maps onto your phone. Google maps has most buildings available to be found via gps. It can be a serious life saver (it sure had my back on more than one occasion).
3. When in doubt leave early. If you’re a little skeptical about getting to class on time, leave home early (at least during the first week). It can give you time to scope out campus or just ease your nerves.
4. Talk to people. The first few weeks of freshman year are very critical to making friends. Talk to the person sitting next to you in class or if you see someone you think is cool, go say hi. We’re all in the same boat and we WANT to talk to you. If you don’t find the people you mesh with in the first few weeks, don’t worry. At first you may become friends with people because you’re all scared to be alone and feel like you have to. As long as you put yourself out there, you’ll find your crew.
5. Be yourself. If you think trying to be cool is going to get you places, it won’t. The only way you’ll make true friends is by being yourself.
6. Don’t be afraid to eat alone. People aren’t going to think that you don’t have friends or that you’re weird. In college you’re not going to always be able to eat with friends, that’s life. You might even be approached by someone who wants to be your friend (but if you don’t want to be approached, wear headphones).
7. GO TO THE LIBRARY AND STUDY. I don’t think I can stress that enough. All that laying in bed instead of going to the library to study is going to result in lots of regret when you look at your GPA at the end of the semester. You may think “first year, I’ve got room to breathe”. WRONG. I promise your bed and booze will still be there for the weekend.
8. Breathe. It will get overwhelming and sometimes a breakdown will be in order. Let it happen, breathe, move on.
9. Use the tutoring center and your TAs. If you’re struggling don’t be afraid to ask for help, no one wants you to fail. Not to mention, your classes are not free so don’t put yourself in a position to pay for it more than once. Also, use your professors office hours. Face time with your professor will help them help you.
10. Go to the gym. It can be a really good way to blow of steam. There are fun classes that you can take if you’re not into the whole weight lifting thing. Not to mention, you’ll have a whole lot more energy.
11. Talk to your roommates. Even if they aren’t your favorite people, talk to them. Your roommates don’t have to be your best friends but you should at least have a decent relationship with them. Being rivals with the people you live with is really not the way to spend your first year, I can tell you from experience. Also, clean up after yourself and take out the trash. Your living environment can depict how your learning environment will also go.
12. Go to school events. Take pride in your school and enjoy the events. If you don’t, you’ll regret it. Besides, you’ve already paid for the events through your fees. Not to mention, free stuff! When there is mention of free anything, you go get that free stuff, especially when it’s T-shirts.