When you say the word "college," what comes to mind? To most people, they think of big schools like UNC Chapel Hill or Michigan State. While yes, a lot of colleges are big and have 30,000 students, that's not what college is like for everyone. I go to school at very small private college with about 1,300 students and only 800 residential students. Yes, that is a very small number. That is half the size of my high school!!

For kids who attend small schools, it is a much different experince than those who attend large schools. So, here is a survival guide for incoming freshman at small colleges.

1. Do not compare your experience to that of your friend who is at a big state school.

I made this mistake the first semester of my freshman year. I kept comparing my adventures to that of my best friend who attends a school with 34,000 students. Small schools are a completely different ball game. You won't meet 200 people in one day. You won't have eight different activities going on at once. But that is not a bad thing. It provides more opportunities for you to get involved with things.

2. Get involved.

Because there is not eight things happening at once, you have the opportunity to attend a lot more events. Instead of picking between eight things, you get to pick between two or three. This allows you to attend more events because they are more spread out than those at a big school. Go to yo-yo club or drama club or even Spanish club. The more connected and involved you are, the more you have to look forward to, and the more fun you will have.

3. Don't skip class.

Because your classes only have 30 people in them, your professor notices when you are absent and will probably call you out when they see you in the caf 20 minutes later. Small classes equal a stronger relationship with your professor. If you let them know you care about coming to class and doing your work, they will care about you. This in the long run means that they will be more willing to help you out if you slip up and get really sick and can't make a deadline.

4. Be kind to everyone.

It's a small school. You will more than likely have to see someone in the caf or walking to class. If you're kind to everyone and say hi and ask them about their life, it makes your life and the life of everyone at school better. If you're mean to someone or talk about them behind their back, everyone on campus will know within two days.

5. Have fun!

Last on the list, but the most important of all. College is for you. It's all about the memories you make and the friends you make them with. Don't cry over the 78 you got on the last calculus test, just study and do better on the next one. Call your mom and your best friend and tell them about all the exciting things you are doing. Do what makes you happy.

Small schools will provide you with the education, friendships, connections and life skills you will need to succeed in life. Enjoy the four years, they will go by faster than you know.