Dear freshman, you're about to begin a whole new life journey within the next two weeks. I know how most of you feel, since a year ago I was in the exact same position. I was scared, frightened actually, that I was uprooting my life that I had for the past 18 years. It really is a big change, you're on your own for the first time. There's no more of mom and dad's rules and curfews to follow, so you really have to figure things out for yourself now.

You have no one telling what you should and shouldn't do anymore, and it's freeing but also you have to find a balance. That is, I think, everyone's big struggle the first year of school, finding out where you fit in and how to make a routine for yourself. So here's some friendly advice for your first year at school, from someone who was in your shoes a year ago.

Don't say no to a lot in the first few weeks. Since most people are trying to find friends and where they belong, try out everything you can. Go to club fairs, sign up for a few of them and go to their meetings. A lot of my friends met their best friends through extra curricular clubs on campus.

Keep your door open when you're in your room. This way, you can get to know and meet new people on the floor, which just may become your friend group. Don't just lock yourself away in your room. Everyone is struggling in school, whether they're homesick, can't find a balance, or just aren't clicking with anyone on campus yet. By locking yourself away, you're not giving yourself a fair chance at having the best college experience you can.

Make friends with people in your classes. It's always nice to have a friend to ask for notes in case you're sick, or you just overslept. Knowing people in your classes is also helpful for studying for quizzes and exams, because study group are always helpful, especially when you aren't understanding a topic well.

Go to office hours, I'm serious. Office hours are so helpful, especially if you're struggling with topics in class. Most professors are extremely helpful in a one on one situation, and they are always willing to help you understand a topic, even if it takes 2 hours. I know a majority of your classes are big lectures, so seeing the professor in a smaller setting is always helpful.

Find a balance. Finding your school and social life balance can be difficult. I certainly struggled first semester to figure out how much time should be put towards work and social life (hint: put school first, but always leave time for fun). I know some of my friends who only focus on school, and they are constantly stressed out because they never leave time for themselves to enjoy college. I also know people who put fun first, and they're also stressed out because they don't put enough focus on school, and aren't doing well. You need to find an equal balance so you're not setting yourself up for a future meltdown at the end of the semester.

I know leaving for school can be scary, but trust me when I say this: it's not. I know that you're ready for this big change, and that you can handle it. I know that you will succeed and love it, just don't stress yourself out about not knowing what's gonna happen next. You can never predict what will happen in college, so you have to learn to just go with the flow, and college will become a dream. I promise.

Love, your friendly college sophomore,

Anna