So you’re off to start your freshman year of college.

Adjusting to living in a dorm is tough and living without your mom’s cooking is tougher. Plus, the college course work ahead? The toughest. The cool part about it all is that it’s only your freshman year. Or in other words, your easiest year. You may not see it that way when you’re approaching your winter finals, but it’s your calmest year by far. It’s your year to get comfortable, have fun, make new friends, and just enjoy your first taste of living on your own. It's your first opportunity to experience complete freedom in what you choose to do with your time. That feeling of having no one to report to? It’s pretty incredible. So enjoy your first year--it only goes downhill from there! (Just kidding)

College truly is an incredible and exciting time, especially if you chose to attend a school you love. The memories you’ll make during your first year will live on with you throughout the rest of your time in undergrad. Don’t let yourself stress and worry about dealing with everything that’s coming your way. Your first year in college will be a mix of fun and fear, but don’t worry, you get better at handling it every day. Here are a few of the things that only my freshman year could teach me:

1. You will be in denial that you spend all of your money at Starbucks.

Between the late nights studying and the mornings that begin a little too early, coffee will become your go-to. Even some of my guy friends suddenly became avid coffee drinkers during freshman year. (Starbucks isn’t only a gal’s best friend).

(Venti Hazelnut Iced Coffee with Cream: $3.15, works wonders, you’re welcome.)

2. Sometimes, it may just be better to not check your Chemistry Lab grade.

For those who brave tough freshman courses, take full advantage of any help or aid you can get with the material. You are expected to learn, understand, and remember copious amounts of material in little time. Information will snowball on you fast, so stay ahead!

3. Do not wear nice clothing out, and especially not your favorite shoes.

Kind of a no-brainer, but this is one piece of advice I wish I had heeded.

4. It’s always best to take advantage of emotional support animal visits.

Check for flyers around campus about events like these. Nothing will kiss your stress goodbye like a golden retriever can!

5. Is putting on a full face of makeup and hair to walk to class in the heat ever worth it?

Don’t waste your good stuff, ladies.

6. Do not use your freshman year as an excuse to go nuts with going out.

Even as a freshman, your work has to come first. Of course part of the “college experience” is enjoying yourself, and you should have fun when you can, but you can’t forget why you’re there. You will go out at least once, so when you do be smart about it.

(P.S., even though you’re a freshman and I know you won’t try to break the law, watch what you drink and how much you drink. It’ll keep you off the fast track to the Freshman 15).

7. Parking is a free for all, take all cutting-off measures necessary.

Parking in college is next to impossible, especially for those living off campus. I can't tell you how many times I've had to sit waiting for 20+ minutes for a spot to open up. If you can walk, bike, or take a bus, I suggest doing so before wasting your time trying to find a spot for the day.

8. Your friends will probably try to convince you to go out when you’re sad, don’t do it.

Demolish a pint of Ben & Jerry’s Milk ’n Cookies instead and call it a night.

9. Bring headphones everywhere--walking around listening to music is the norm.

I was never the type to walk around listening to music until I got to college… it’s just kind of the thing.

10. If you eat your dorm-mate's food, it's best to own up to it ASAP.

It happens, they'll understand. Don’t forget to offer to replace what you couldn’t resist.

11. If you forget about the clothes you left in the dryer, be prepared to be very apologetic.

There will likely be no more than six dryers for an entire dorm of students to utalize. Set a timer on your phone so you do not forget to grab your stuff when it’s done! (Or someone else will gladly take it out for you).

12. If you totally forget about a deadline, being honest with your professor may work to your advantage.

This actually worked for me in more than one course. Shoot an email to your professor or TA and be honest--not all of them are heartless. (This is permitting that you’ve been a good student up until that point).

13. Your friend is going to tell you all about the wonderful boy she just met… on Tinder.

Everyone meets their Prince Charming in some way or another?

14. It’s okay for your shower to be the most exciting part of your day.

Your days will be incredibly busy, so any time you do get to relax and have some quiet time will be your favorite part of the day.

15. But no matter what, you’ll miss it when it’s gone.

Enjoy your year. Be ready for all that is to come. You only get to do it once, so do it right.