Written By Mayah Cantave

Ring, Ring, Ring! The fire alarm is going off. You now have to run outside and stand outside your dorm at 6 a.m. in your pajamas when it’s 30 degrees outside. You were not ready for this at all.

Expect the unexpected. Everything you think can go wrong will most likely go wrong. Your internet can go out or your printer can break down ten minutes before something is due.

Random things can happen, so be prepared. Have a backup plan. Have a backup plan for your backup plan.

Go to class! Going to class sucks; of course it does, it’s class. No one is going to force you to go. This is college; no one cares what you do. Law and Order will still be on the television when you come back from class, and they are re-runs. Promise.

Make as many friends as possible. You don’t realize how much you need people until you do. Borrowing books, getting study partners, finding parties, and getting just about anything you need. Trust me.

When dorm bathrooms are disgusting and you need a shower, ask one of your new friends to shower at their place. Friends are your connections to the world. Use them. Go hang out in the lobby of your dorm and meet people.

The most important piece of advice to listen to is this: This is your life. Do with it what you want. Do something for you, not what your parents want, not what your teachers want, just you.

What you give is what you get. Learn, have fun and succeed. This experience won’t last forever so make the most of it.