OK, So you are already gearing up for what will be the change of a lifetime: Most of you will go from having ( let’s face it) most of your stuff taken care of at home, to doing most of those chores yourself. Yes, cleaning, changing the sheets, keeping a budget, or at least a record of what you are spending (you’d be surprised how mindful you become when you are keeping track of everything you spent during the day and week!) You will soon be on your own and there are ways to ensure you survive freshman year!

 
First, pack lightly: remember you’ll be moving in to a small space with NO walk in closets and probably another person to share that minimal space with as well. Be prepared to use under the bed storage boxes and get your mind in SHARE mode. For those of you without siblings this might be a shocker: Your roommate will always want to borrow your stuff!
Second: And on that note: make the most of that Roommate relationship by laying down rules and schedules from day one. Agree on days for chores and make sure that both of you are clear on what is expected of each other. A clean start can make for the greatest of bonds! You don’t have to be best friends but a healthy amount of respect and compromise will surely get you two off to a great start. By all means DO NOT let grievances accumulate, talk issues out before they escalate into arguments.

 
Third: Adjusting to life on campus can be hard, many (and you are not necessarily excluded from the possibility) fall into depression. This not need worry you for there are simple ways to avoid this, namely: get your body moving, run on campus or join a class like yoga or Pilates- (most colleges offer a gym and there will probably be more than enough options to work up a sweat). By shaking off the stress you could also be shaking off those first extra pounds that tend to creep up on you during the first years (aka the dreaded freshman 15). Overeating when we are depressed or overdoing the fast food scene can easily boycott your figure. Check out if your school eateries offer calorie information and become aware of everything you are putting into your mouth.

 
Fourth: Remember! College is where we learn about life in the real world so save as much money as you can: Begin by choosing second hand, inexpensive textbooks or better yet—RENT! Textbooks can run you a pretty steep bill and unless you plan on keeping them all for further reference you might as well think twice. Try looking in your college library and you might even find them for free! Amazon Text Book Rentals is a new service whereby you can return your college textbooks once you are done with course. This is an easy way to save big money!

 
Fifth: Don’t let all the new obligations and responsibilities get the best of you. Keep track of all your activities and deadlines with your Smartphone. There are numerous new apps available and waiting to simplify your life. These are just a few: iStudiez  will help you manage your full schedule. Good old Quizlet will help you study for those tests, inClass promises to help you record audio, take text or video notes, and create images of slides or handouts. iProcrastinate a God sent, this app lets you organize to-do lists and tasks by listing the steps it will take to complete them.

 
So hey, get ready for the first of many adventures up the road and just make sure you are not caught off guard by these new trials. Remember; no matter how much advice we get from our parents we will probably only learn through our own experiences; Make sure then that those experiences are as enjoyable as possible!

 
Good luck and keep in touch!