As a junior, I remember all too well my first few months of college. I was on my own for the first time, in charge of my own schedule and fully responsible for my life’s progress. I was as ecstatic as I was terrified. After two years of adjusting to college life, I’m here to help incoming freshmen learn from my mistakes in order to make the transition as smooth as possible. 

One of the first things most people do after enrolling in college is decide on a major. This is a big decision if you’re going to college to start a career. The degree you have will influence available opportunities in the workforce. Your decision will affect how you will spend a large portion of your time as an adult, so it’s important to do some soul searching beforehand. Think about what you want from life. What is important to you? What kind of lifestyle do you want to live? What makes you happy? All of these factors should contribute to your choice of major. Additionally, if you become unhappy with your choice, it’s OK to change your major. Even if your graduation date is withheld an extra year or two, it’s worth it to study a field you’re happy with.

Once you declare a major, you’ll enroll in courses for the semester. Keep in mind, the courses you enroll in will determine your schedule for several months. If you’re not a morning person, stay away from morning classes. If you’re used to rolling out of bed at noon every day, it’s going to be difficult to attend class at 8 a.m., four days a week. 

When giving advice about making good grades, most people will mention frequent studying and avoiding procrastination. While these habits are important, maintaining your health is just as vital, if not more so. Eating healthy and exercising regularly induces many cognitive benefits, including promoting clarity of mind, raising energy levels and improving memory. It’s much easier to do well in class when your brain is getting premium fuel. Conversely, lethargy and gluttony make you sluggish and cloud your thinking. Remember, just because the cafeteria provides all you can eat does not mean you should eat all you can eat.

Additionally, students should not neglect their mental health. Juggling work, school, finances and other responsibilities can be stressful, and sometimes it can get overwhelming. When things are getting difficult, don’t be afraid to go to the Counseling Center. Services are free and confidential. The counselors are trained to help you address issues from sexuality to depression. Counselors can also make referrals and review options for those with more severe mental health problems. The Counseling Center is one of the best resources for struggling students, and students would be wise to take advantage of it. 

Because I’m not a parent, I won’t be telling anyone they should or shouldn’t party during college. A lot of college students celebrate their newfound freedom by experimenting with formerly off-limits forms of debauchery; however, if you care about your grades at all, limit the partying to the weekend. Nothing hurts academic performance more than trying to absorb information while battling a hangover. 

However, remember a social life isn’t a magical entity given out with your student identification after starting college. Unless you already know a lot of people at the school you’re attending, you’re going to have to start establishing relationships from scratch. The easiest way to make friends with those who have similar interests as you is to join a student organization. Recognized student and Greek organizations cater to interests from art to religion to major-specific groups. Unless you’re happy limiting your social interactions to the classroom, student organizations are a good way to go. 

I probably made a million mistakes as a freshman, many of which I can’t begin to cover in a single editorial. Unfortunately, there is no instruction manual for becoming an adult. The final thing I’d like to say is that no matter what advice you’re given, you are probably going to make mistakes. Just remember, no matter how intimidating it is to be on your own, it’s going to be OK.