Top Ten List, Freshman Year

10. Do not spend a ton of money trying to make your dorm look cool.

Simple is easiest and cheapest.

9.  Join something, anything....maybe several somethings. There are literally all kinds of clubs and groups available. This is the easiest way to meet a friend. Even one friend can make a huge difference in your adjustment to being a college student. It will also help you to not go home every chance you get.

8.  You may find that you talk and text less and less with friends from high school. That's normal, and remember, they're finding their way, too. Maybe at one point, you'll reconnect. Meanwhile, go ahead and make new friends. Often, college friends stay lifetime friends.

7.  And while we're at it, don't be surprised if you don't stay together with your romantic-interest person. Talk to him or her about what you both expect once college begins. You might not be on the same wavelength about it---better to know than to be disappointed.

6.  Preferably before the start of classes, locate and print out the syllabus for each class. It will clearly spell out what's going to happen and what's expected of you, and will also indicate your instructor's contact information such as office hours.

5. Have you heard of the Freshman 15? It's no lie: When you can eat anything, you'll eat anything. Fifteen pounds is going to be tough to take back off. Try not to put it on in the first place-think fruits, veggies, whole grain, not fast food, fries, and Cheetos. Get out and move, too: exercise will help keep you balanced and healthy.

4.  Before classes start, walk through your schedule, that is, find where the rooms are before the first day. Walk it a couple of times. You'll feel a lot better on the first day with some clue where you're going. You could draw it on a piece of paper (or find a printed campus map) and highlight your class locations. Take a screenshot of it on your phone to refer to.

3.  It's OK to change your major, but if you are undecided (be honest with yourself), then don't take classes that aren't going to transfer. Speak to an advisor to be sure.

2.  Get familiar with the campus library. Not only does it have great references for reports (and help from librarians), it's also a quiet, well-lit place to study. This is going to be key in doing well.

And last, but not least...……….
1.  Enjoy your time in college. You hear it all the time, but just think how fast high school went by and you'll get the picture. Everybody's low on funds, everybody hates tests and studying, everybody is sleep-deprived. Talk about fun!