I'm assuming some of you are probably going to be heading to college very soon! Congratulations. I'd like to give you an example of what your first year should be, which also happens to have been the complete opposite of what I did in my first year of college.

1. Be Open Minded

I came to college as a downer. I'm not going to lie, deciding to go to Stony Brook wasn't my top choice. In fact, it was mostly a last minute application because everyone I knew also applied. So if you chose your college because nothing else worked out, keep an open mind going in. Don't close yourself off, be open to the opportunities given to you, and get rid of your ego. It gets in the way of everything.

2. Make Friends

Literally become friends with everyone you see at orientation. It doesn't hurt to compliment someone's shoes or make fun of an administrator's haircut. You might make a one-off acquaintance or a long term friendship. At least you'll have a person to introduce you to a bunch of other people. Or, if you're like me, you'll hide behind your headphones watching everyone else laughing and eating lunch together whilst you eat your salad yourself. You don't want to eat your salad by yourself. It's not fun, trust me.

3. You're Not in High School Anymore

Unfortunately, the way you breezed through high school exams will not stick in college. You will definitely lose track of homework and end up losing major points because of that. You really need to force yourself into focusing on each class and its demands. You and your roommates will want to binge-watch Gilmore Girls before the reboot, but you shouldn't. Stay strong. Don't bookmark Netflix for easy access. It will ruin you.

4. Confidence is Everything

I'm the least confident person on the planet. But you have to force yourself to do something out of your comfort zone. You should talk to your professors and TA's, you never know what kind of opportunity will be put into your corner. Be bold and unapologetic. If all else fails, fake it 'til you make it. Works every time.

5. Keep Your Mental Health a Priority

I have anxiety and I kind of hid behind it all throughout my freshman year. Doing that kept me away from signing up for certain clubs or talking to certain people I would've loved to be friends with. Please, use the counselors and resources your school supplies. Talk to a therapist, even if you aren't mentally ill. Talking your problems out with someone who has completely objective answers will ease your mind through the semester.