I'm getting pretty bummed when being reminded that summer is coming to an end. I'm even more bummed out that I have to return to classes and studying for tough exams. But on the bright side, I can't wait to see all my great friends and gain some for independency. I miss Malone's sweet and social atmosphere, I'm also very excited to have my own single dorm room this year. It will be so nice to have privacy when I need it and I can decorate it however I want! So despite everything related to academics, I'm very much looking to experiencing and fresh new year in college!

As most people are at the beginning of freshman year, I was very nervous and self-conscious. I was worried about how I was going to make friends and succeed in all my class requirements. Before Christmas, I was starting to fail most of my classes. There were times when I considered dropping my classes and even transferring to another university. I also felt lonely and did not feel like I fit in with the groups of people. But eventually, after praying and praying, I found many friends that I very well trust and always have a fun time with. Thanks to them, there are so many memories I have now that makes Malone University very special. I also worked hard and got better grades, I've managed to get my hardest classes out of the way! So if you're about to start your first year as a freshman, don't be worried about what to expect. But also don't get your hopes up for what you are expecting. College is an unforgettable time of your life in which you will experience many ups and downs, and it's up to you to make the best out of it.

Sooooo, in case anyone is begging for advice on how to survive their first year, here are my top ten biggest tips from what I've learned:

1.) Living On Your Own

Becoming an independent human being starts in college. You'll learn to become in charge of your own schedule and how to take care of yourself. Of course you can still be dependent on friends and family back home, but being constantly connected that way can make it difficult to thrive in a new environment. This is your big chance to make your own decisions and find your true happiness, and you can becoming one badass boss who don't need no man or gal to tell you what to do!

2.) Organization

Keeping organized in college is a big deal, BIG. If everything is out of place, you may go a bit crazy. This goes for classes, studying, spending time with friends, special events, and even keeping your room tidy. If you're feeling stressed out with organization, it's a good idea to write down to-do lists or have a planner to keep track of assignments or events that need to be remembered. And even if you don't care if your room is messy, take a little time in keeping it clean and you will be more happy and relaxed camper when everything is in the right place.

3.) Orientation

The heaven of new friendships and memories but also the hell of new information into adulthood. Orientation is basically the start of learning to deal with your new college life, and it can be pretty intimidating. Just as long as you ask questions, pay attention, and enjoy the moment, you have a lower chance of being confused.

4.) Classes

The biggest cause of stress and anxiety at any university. Nothing is more time-consuming and self-loathing than studying for exams or writing a shitload of papers. There's really no other way but to accept the fact that that's just the way college is. It's not a bad idea to connect with your professors, they admire students who need help with class. Make sure to take your time and do whatever you can to not kill yourself, or worst expelled (Yes, I just quoted Hermione Granger, deal with it).

5.) Making Friends (aka a "Squad")

The most popular college question that everyone asks to themselves is how they're going to make new friends, that was definitely one of my biggest concern when moving in. But don't worry, college is an atmosphere with a wide variety of all kinds of friendly people. The one decision you need to make is who to make friends with, or as Taylor Swift calls it, creating your "squad". It's really not hard at all to meet friends in college. Whether you find them in a sorority, fraternity, club, dorm, or whatever, you're guaranteed to find your best friends/squad for life.

6.) Self-Consciousness

Every person has one or more insecurities, especially in college. We all just want to impress people and make them like us, and this goes for both friends and professors. Even though you may think you're the only one struggling, you will realize that no one has their shit together. Don't waste too much time overthinking the situations that you might think made it awkward, and maybe try to consult with a friend if you're feeling insecure.

7.) Love Life

One of the most common things that occur the first week of orientation or move-ins is new couples, literally right after just meeting! My roommate and one of our friends started hang out a lot towards the end of orientation while shy me kept boys away and gained the role of the third wheel (meh). My friends' relationships eventually did not last very long, and I honestly thought it was it was best that they didn't. If I want to meet my true love in college, I want to know the guy as a friend first, and I think that should be the way for every girl and boy. Once you get to know the person well enough, have trust in him/her, and are ready to be more than friends, you could have a good chance in being in a relationship.

8.) Food/Exercise

If you think the "Freshman 15" is just a rumor, you're very well wrong. It is a real thing! It's kind of a combination of stress eating and enjoying the freedom of feasting on whatever you desire. Make sure to eat in moderation, drink lots of water, and exercise as much as you can. One thing that will change is how appreciative you'll be for your parents' home cooked meals!

9.) Personal Time

Everyone needs their own personal space, even the most social of people. During finals week, you most definitely will not see many friends or students roaming around campus as usual. I recommend making a schedule with times/days picked out for when you need to get stuff done or just to enjoy a little privacy.

10.) Parties

The term "party" is very well associated with college. If you go to a smaller university like me, this may not be a big problem. If you're planning to attend a public college like OSU or Miami University, this is important information. College is one of the most popular places for students who don't mind getting drunk or high whenever. I'm not big on parties and large social interaction, so the best advice I can give is to be safe and make good choices. If you do decide to go to a crazy party at a frat house, do not go alone. The rates of students getting raped and poisoned by alcohol these days is terrifying. But you're only in college once in your lifetime, so dance a little and have a good time!

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It's totally normal to be nervous when entering this new chapter of your life. There is so much anticipation and wondering what to expect. This is the point in your life when you have to learn more about becoming an adult, and that ain't fun. I will advise you to not get your hopes on what supposedly makes college so great. But of course take the time to enjoy it while those four years last because they most likely won't be coming back ever again. When they say college flies by, they are not kidding. I'm only a sophomore, but I'm wishing for everything to go a little slower before I enter the real world! Just don't enter your first semester with negative thoughts. Your positive thoughts will attract you to the right "squad", help ace your classes, and allow yourself to have as much fun as possible. Now go get em', you rocker college kid!

10 Tips for Surviving Your First Year of College