As crazy as it sounds, I am already halfway through my college career. I distinctively remember being so nervous to start my freshman year, and here I am, the Summer before my junior year of college. Time really does fly when you're having fun! I've heard people say that high school is the most fun time of your lives, but I honestly disagree. High school was nothing, and I mean nothing, compared to college and I am so grateful for that. Entering your freshman year, you're so naive, not knowing what you're about to face. Sophomore year, you're a little used to it but not all the way comfortable there. Going into my junior year, I can finally say I feel like I've got a semi-understanding of what I am doing (and I say semi because as a college student, do you ever really know what you're doing?) Here are a few of the most important things I've learned in the past two years, and I hope they help you as you embark on this new journey, or if you have already completed college, or are halfway through like me, I hope you agree with some of these important tips and tricks I've found!

1. Find a class schedule and keep it!

This is so important!! Find a class schedule that fits for you. I am a morning person, so a morning schedule is essential for me. I schedule my classes, as crazy as it sounds, 8 a.m., 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m. The earlier I can be done with classes, the better! If you're not a morning person, this probably sounds crazy so I don't recommend you try it, but if your university is like mine, there should be a wide enough variety to where you can arrange your schedule just how you like! Thankfully, I figured out the perfect class schedule for me at the beginning of my sophomore year, but it is never too late.

2. Rate My Professor. Enough said.

Please please please, check rate my professor when you're choosing classes for the next semester. It has saved my butt so many times from being stuck with a professor who was a lot more difficult than the professor I chose. I'm not sure who invented it but whoever did was a genius.

3. Office hours are essential

I just learned this helpful tip this past semester, but I can already tell how helpful it is to your grades. Not only have I found that professors tend to give you more leverage if you go to their office hours, but it also helps to build relationships with professors, especially if they are in your major department. Leverage could be the difference between a B+ and an A-, a C+ and a B-, or even a D+ and a C-. Use those office hours!!

4. To party or to study?

The dreaded question when it gets to the weekend and all your friends are getting ready to go out but you have an essay to complete and a test to study for. Stay in and study! I promise you'll have plenty of chances to party. As hard as it is to say no and watch your friends go out, the feeling of getting good grades is so much better (at least to me it is).

5. Get involved around campus

Getting involved around campus is one of the best ways to meet new people, network and build your resume all at once! Not only does being involved in clubs and organizations make your resume a bit more interesting than the next person's, it also helps you build new friendships and connections with people who could help you tremendously for the next few years of your life.

6. Step out of your comfort zone

This is one of the tips that I have struggled with the most. As extroverted as I am, I have found it extremely difficult to step out of my comfort zone and trust my gut. Be comfortable in your decisions and try something new! Even if it's something that you would normally never do, try it anyways. You never know when something new could change your life.

7. Enjoy your time

Have fun! It is college after all. Study hard, work hard, party hard. Do everything you've ever wanted to do. Take classes you are actually interested in that aren't part of your major. Talk to a stranger. Join a club, or two, or three. Understand that some days will be rougher than others and that is okay. Everyone has a story, everyone struggles but you will get through it. Make the most out of your time because time really does fly by and before you know it, you'll be graduating and on to the real world!