Going away to college, there’s a ton on our minds. Have I bought the right color bed sheets? Do I have everything I need for my classes? Am I going to make friends right away? What am I even going to eat? Do I know where I am going at all? During this time everything becomes so overwhelming and we suddenly go into panic mode. This whole “college” thing is scary and exciting but also seems nearly impossible. What we must do is take a step back and realize we are totally ready. Our moms have taught us for the past eighteen or so years all we need to know. If you can’t remember some, this will help you out:

1. Be Kind

Most people let this slip by. It goes in one ear and out the other. But starting college and making new friends, this becomes very important. If you have a general kindness to the way you speak and treat people, making friends and being liked becomes much easier. This is important all throughout life but absolutely something we need to think about now.

2. How To Make Mac And Cheese

If you have this skill, you will physically survive college. Mac and Cheese to college students is like bread to humans in 20 A.D. This is what you will live off. Though you may not avoid the “freshman fifteen”, you will always have a meal or late-night snack.

Side note: Despite being lactose-intolerant, this is my favorite meal in the entire world.

3. It's Okay To Make Mistakes

We are going to learn inside and outside the classroom in college. This applies to both. You are going to fail a test. You are going to have nights you would like to take back. This is all okay honestly if we learn from it. Everyone makes thousands of mistakes throughout this time but that’s how we mature—we learn from them. So don’t worry too much.

Even McDreamy has his moments...

4. Clean Your Room

Ugh. Personally, I have never been good at this one. The pile of clothes in my room was basically Mt. Everest within about four days. But the way your mom would annoyingly ask you a million times to clean it up actually will have an impact once you get to your dorm. Every time that mess starts to build up you have the discipline to clean it right away (or soon enough before it gets too excessive).

5. Smile, Even When It's Hard

It has been proven that smiling automatically puts you in a better mood. Plus, everyone looks better with a smile on their face. Even if you are having the worst day, smile. It especially helps if you are looking in a mirror. You are going to need this positivity sometimes.

6. Dress Up

I know this isn’t for everyone. But my mom always taught me to dress up. You learn better if you are dressed “nicely”. (This doesn’t mean a fancy dress or suit and tie necessarily, but not sweats.) Adults will take you more seriously and you will be generally more respected. It is just something to get in the habit of doing. It will help your performance in life when you know you look real good.

7. Remember Who You Are

Every time I would leave the house, my mom would tell me “Remember who you are!”. Sometimes I would just let this pass by me, but there were times when I could hear her saying that in my head in certain situations. Peer pressure is always going to happen, even just in small ways. You may want to act like someone else in order to make friends but then you won’t be happy. If someone doesn’t like you for you, they’re not worth your time. Be yourself. You’ll always be happier.

Overall, our mothers have taught us some of the most crucial things we must know when embarking on this journey of college. We will all be more than okay and have the best four years of our lives. Thank you, Mom.