"I wish I knew then what I know now," is a common phrase among college students. These four years spent away from home are a time to learn, make mistakes, grow, and figure out what one is going to do with their life.

Freshman year is exciting. It's a new environment, new people, and new way of life — but it's followed by the realization of how precious our time is here. As students get older, the years seem shorter and, before you know it, you're a junior on the floor of your apartment, eating a large pizza, on the verge of a breakdown because you have yet to find an internship.

The ups and downs of college make the experience unforgettable, but can be extremely overwhelming. My advice is to take a deep breath ... but those who have already gone through these crazy, confusing times have something more valuable to say. University of Arizona alumni were asked, "What is your greatest piece of advice you would give UA students?" and, "Is there a specific moment during your time at UA that truly impacted your future?"

Melissa Rose, Goldman Sachs Sales and Trading Analyst, 2015 UA graduate:

"My biggest advice for UA students is to do absolutely everything possible and sleep after graduation. Go to every tailgate, every trip, get involved on campus in different organizations, meet as many people as possible, and make the most out of the four short years of college. A specific moment at the UA that truly impacted my future was meeting alumni that helped me realize what I wanted to do after graduation. That being said, it's never too early to network with alumni and start thinking about your future career."

Luke Ford, CEO of My Computer Works, Inc., 1989 UA graduate:

"Have balance while you are in school. Make sure you have a healthy mix of fun and studying and make sure you get involved in an organization to grow leadership and team building skills. I would say the two most important events that impacted my future were joining Greek life, as an SAE, and when I was selected Executive Direct of Spring Fling. Both experiences gave me an opportunity to grow as a leader and build lifelong friendships."

Jenni Fink, Author, CEO of Jenni Fink Ink, LLC., 2014 UA graduate:

"Don't build yourself a cage. The real world isn't a kind place: it doesn't give you an A for effort and it'll build you up just to bring you down — multiple times. Don't let yourself get bogged down in how you imagined your life would be, whether in your professional or personal life. Society will try to define you. Strive to find your own place and if you can't find one, make your own. Most of all, if it isn't working and you feel like you're stuck, change directions, because that's OK too. The greatest gift the UA gave me was probably through navigating the deadlines and paperwork required to get the classes I needed during the semesters I needed them. It taught me to pay attention to details, figure things out for myself, and most of all, not to rely on someone to hold my hand through life. While I had a few tearful phone calls to my mom about how stressed I was over getting a form in so I could take a class I needed, it's helped me get to where I am now and I don't think I could successfully run my own business now if the UA didn't give me the confidence to depend on myself."

Pat Downey, President of Hardison/Downey Construction Inc., 1980 UA graduate:

"Learn to manage your time and prioritize. With my academic load and part-time jobs, I had to learn these skills and it has been invaluable. Second, if at all possible, intern or work part-time during the school year or over the summers, preferably in the field or area you want to have a career. But any work experience is better than none. As an employer, we hire interns and recent graduates and those with work experience have a big advantage. And last, get involved. Meet people and establish a network of friends and contacts for the future. I run into lots of Wildcats up here in Phoenix and we always try to help each other. Students have a great opportunity to build a network of friends and resources that will be helpful through their careers. Oh, one more thing: have fun."

Deep breaths my friends, deep breaths. Use your time wisely and it will be OK.