how to survive your first year of college

Welllllll, you did it! You graduated high school and now it's time to spread your wings, move out and fly! But wait, you actually have no idea how to "do" college, and you're terrified. You're now the "freshmeat" of campus again. No more senior privileges, parking spots, or front row seats at the football games. You might think you're on your own more than ever, but don't worry, everyone was there once. And those kids in your dorm who act like they know what they're doing...ignore them, because chances are, they're just as terrified as you. Here are some helpful tips (from personal experience, and observation) on how to survive your first year of college!

1. GO TO CLASS - this may seem like an obvious one, but seriously. Mom isn't there to wake you up anymore and you will have urges to sleep in and skip class ALL THE TIME. Resist, resist, resist. Especially on those freezing cold mornings when putting on pants and walking all the way across campus in the snow seems like an impossible feat. Trust me, you can do it. Also - people who tell you that attendance doesn't matter in college are the ones who skipped class every day. A lot of professors DO keep a record of attendance and it counts into your final grade. GO TO CLASS!
2. Stay organized - and up to date on assignments, due dates, quizzes, and exams. In college it's YOUR responsibility to remember when to turn things in. Professors are a lot more strict about late work than high school teachers are. Don't procrastinate. You will, but you definitely shouldn't. Doing all your homework on Sunday night may seem like a good idea on Friday, but when Sunday does roll around you'll regret it.
3. Syllabus is life - Repeat that with me! SYLLABUS IS LIFE. Your syllabus is has all the information you need to know about your course. Due dates, tests, quizzes, and resources. If you ask your professor a question about an assignment, 9 times out of 10 you'll hear "refer to your syllabus". Make sure you print off the syllabus for every class you're taking and keep it in your binder or folder. It will save your life and help keep you organized and less stressed. 
4.  Get involved on your campus - whether it's joining a sorority/fraternity, playing a sport, or joining campus life, there are SO many things you can do to get involved. Go to the activities event at the beginning of the year. Get pamphlets and free stuff! Talk to people who are in different campus organizations and find which one fits you the best. There's something for everyone!
5. Meet new people - Seriously! This is so important. Meeting new people and making life long friendships is what college is all about. Talk to people! Make connections! The girl or guy sitting next to you in your economics class could be your future best friend. You never know until you put yourself out there. 
6. Take care of yourself - Everyone's heard of the dreaded "Freshman 15". This is preventable, people, as long as you take care of yourself. Yes, there's loads of endless pizza, burgers, and fries in the dining hall. Control yourself and have something healthy; there's always an alternative to all that junk food. Also drink lots of water and get plenty of sleep. Truth is, all nighters are NO FUN and you'll learn that soon enough. You're right, you have so much freedom now! But sleep is SO important and the less you get, the more sick you'll be. Make sure you get some "me time" at least once a week!
7. Balance your life - Learn to balance academics and your social life. Don't skip your night class for a party because I guarantee there are MORE parties! You'll feel better about yourself in the long run and you'll feel less overwhelmed. Prioritize what's important and what can wait. "Work hard, play hard". 
8. Drinking - Dry campuses are not dry, let's just put that out there. Drinking does happen and there's nothing you can really do about it. Do what you want, just DON'T be stupid. The last thing you need is to be getting your stomach pumped at 4am on a Wednesday when you have a huge exam in the morning. Know what you're putting into your body. Know your limits. Stay true to who you are, too. If you don't drink, don't. No one is going to pressure you or force it down your throat. 
9. Do the best you can do - Academic probation is not something you want to see when you check your grades. College is all about YOU. There is such a sense of accomplishment when all your hard work is payed off with big fat "A". Strive to be your very best. High school is over and you now have a new slate. Don't start it off with old bad habits. There are also lots of extra credit opportunities. Take advantage of those. Work hard and good things will come!
10. Nobody cares - This is my favorite part about college. Nobody cares! Nobody cares if you're not wearing makeup, or if your hair is a mess, or if every item of clothing you're wearing is brand name. In college you get to be YOU. And it's AWESOME! In high school people judge you. Girls are brutally mean and cruel. Now you can just be who you are, and you'll find your people. 

The truth is, if high school taught you everything that you need to know in college it would probably never end. It's trial and error process and you really get to figure out who you are and who you want (and don't want) to be. You'll make mistakes, you'll accomplish things you never thought possible, and they'll be the best 4 years of your life if you let them be! 

A few extra fashion tips for college!: 
1. Heels are not practical shoe wear for walking a to class.
2. Always have an umbrella handy! Walking to class in the rain sucks, and it sucks even more if you have to sit through class in wet clothes. 
3. DO NOT. I repeat DO NOT wear your high school letter jacket to college. Don't even pack it.
4. Make sure you have a good steady backpack. Vera Bradley's are cute, but not very sturdy for carrying lots of heavy books. I have a North Face backpack and it works great! It also has place for your laptop. 
5. Just make sure you're comfortable in what you're wearing. I'm a jeans/leggings and a t-shirt kind of girl when it comes to going to class. If you're comfortable rocking a dress and cardi go for it!