Since you're reading this, I'm going to go ahead and assume that you're about to start a brand new chapter in a funny little novel called "Your Life." You're probably experiencing a whole slew of different emotions right now- anxious, excited, nervous, curious...all those and more, right? Obviously that's normal, I'm sure many of your loved ones have talked you through what to expect and that you should be looking forward to in this new beginning that is college. But I bet not many have provided you with things they wish they had done, or things that they wish they should NOT have done. I'll even take the plunge and say that you're not even worried about regrets during your first year of college yet. Lucky you. I'm here to hopefully give you some insight to this. College is like opening the doors to your own surprise party: you will find out who you are, who you want to be, what you want out of life, and what you want out of this education during the 4+ years you'll be spending there. Many things will go wrong, many things will go right. Trial and error is key during this time. It's all about you- it's your time to shine and show the world the beautiful butterfly that hatched from the cocoon called high school. Make sure your wings are prepped and ready for smooth sailing.

Time...it flies. Fast. I feel like I was walking through the Admissions building at my University for my interview just yesterday. I remember feeling so proud, so grown-up...I felt on top of the world with all of the excitement and anticipation bubbling out of me. The acceptance day, scholarship day, and overnight stay- talk about finally feeling like a "big kid." I just HAD to have a sweatshirt, a pair of sweatpants, a t-shirt and a ball cap boasting my school's name and logo in bright colors so everyone knew I was finally a part of something bigger. Little did I know, however, I was already beginning to make mistakes.

This is my advice to you, an incoming college freshman, from me, a college sophomore.

1. Make your voice heard

This is your time to voice your opinion and make your presence known. I was always on the shy-side, too scared to put myself out there. They say college is the perfect time to do just that, but I never really did. It is SO important to create connections with faculty and your professors. If you want to be more than just another "name on the roster" speak up. Answer questions when the teacher asks the class. Offer your opinion on the matter at hand. It helps you get more engaged and lets your professor have a better stance on what kind of student and person you are.

2. Join clubs

It may sound extremely lame and I know movies have often stereotyped the "club-joiners" as nerds. But let's get it straight- that is totally NOT the case. In college, clubs are a vital puzzle piece that will help the other pieces of the puzzle connect. You can relieve stress, meet new people and make new connections, have the opportunity to experience things that you may have not had the chance to do before, and *bonus* the array of various clubs you're in just might give you that leg up to help you score your first big job!

3. Make friends

This might seem like a blatantly obvious point, but I made the mistake of keeping myself a "closed book" when it came to meeting people. I was too nervous of what people would think of me, so I just avoided making new friends all together. When your new friend from orientation texts you to come hang out and eat Oreos dipped in peanut butter at midnight, DO IT. Even if you're homesick already and just feel like curling up in a ball and moping, you'll automatically feel better being with someone. Who knows, maybe they're experiencing a little homesickness, too and you guys can cry about it together...while binging on junk food!

4. Orientation- DON'T WISH IT AWAY SO SOON

I know, I know. If your school is like mine, those few days of doing weird, camp-like "rituals" where you just play juvenile games and introduce yourself over and over again with different icebreakers (which all seem to morph into one big awkward one near the end) may seem daunting and so boring. I mean, can't we just get to the part where we can actually chill in our new dorms?! BUT GUYS, orientation is made for you to become comfortable in your new home! I know it sounds extremely cheesy, but as I look back on it now, I really wish I had savored those awkward and innocent four days. You really only get to experience orientation once, and the opportunities and friends you could possibly make during it could just be some of the best you'll make in college.

5. Don't skip class- it isn't cool

Um...exactly how much are you paying per class? Ask your parents if you aren't sure, I bet they'll gladly clue you in. Long story short, it's a lot. Despite the Instagram pictures that all the "popular kids" post on an almost-weekly basis, partying all night and sleeping all day only to miss class really isn't cool. And contrary to popular movie stereotypes of college life, it just won't work out for you. You'll get hit with reality. Hard. So, wake up (on time), get to class (on time), and absorb all the information you possibly can- with eagerness! After all, you are PAYING for your education now! Even if you personally aren't, you will be eventually...(eh-hem, student loans ring a bell?)

6. Freshmen 15...it's real

Okay so I know you don't want to believe it (even I didn't) but it's going to happen. The late night binges on junk food are just too real. Especially if you spent all week procrastinating and have a ten page paper due the next morning at 8 am. But you have to fight the urge. Late-night snacking should be banned entirely from your routine. Because once you start, there's no going back. Also, coffee is kind of essential in the life of a college student, but please, please, PLEASE don't drink it at 1 o'clock in the morning because you can't stay awake long enough to memorize all of the muscles in the human body. YOUR body is going to regret it. Try to stick to the healthy options in the cafe...I know it may be tough to not choose those greasy fries and bacon chicken ranch pizza over the salmon and sauteed asparagus- but not only will you look better physically, you'll feel better too!

7. Call your mom

I get it. You want to feel independent. Completely independent. And that means not relying on your mom as much as you used to anymore. You want to be able to do this by yourself. After all, you're an adult now, aren't you? You miss her though, but that is perfectly okay! You're allowed to, and she misses you too. She's trying to distance herself as much as she can even if it hurts her so that you feel independent. So a simple phone call will make both of you feel better and it'll make her feel important to you still. Call her when you're sad, angry, confused, mad, happy, excited. Just call. She's the only one who will constantly have your best interest in mind no matter what the situation is.

8. Respect your roommate

I had a terrible first roommate experience my freshman year. There was no respect for each other and no "rules" were really established before we started living together. To our defense, we were kind of thrown into a room together at the last minute because neither of us had a roommate and were put together at random. But I think that if you know who your roommate is going to be in advance, you should establish some ground rules before you get into that tiny space and start co-existing together. Even if you are the best of friends and do know each other prior to becoming roommates, you need to realize that you have never actually lived in the same room before.

9. Live in the moment

No matter what, always be appreciative of every situation you experience in college- the good and the bad ones. Each one will teach you something about life and yourself...and ultimately help you to grow. Don't let anyone tell you that you aren't good enough, or smart enough, or not capable of doing something. If you want it bad enough, find a way to get it. Work hard, and never let your thirst for knowledge dry up. Keep making connections, keep pushing yourself, and enjoy these next 4+ years. It's time to close this chapter and open the next one. It's time to spread those beautiful wings and soar- higher and further into the great beyond.