Georgia College and State University Top Questions

Focus on school, and not friends. Know what you want to be, and make sure you are on track to be able to get to that point at all times.

Honestly, I would tell myself to develop better study habits, apply for scholarships, and that college isn't how the media makes it out to be. Since you are in class less, strong study habits are crucial to college survival. Even though grades do not seem important, every single one in your college career will be looked at for federal aid and graduate school. Good study skills can help you pay the bills! Speaking of bills, scholarships need ot be a very large part of your life, as college does not come cheap. Student loans are frightewning enough as just an idea, but actually having them lurk around ominously in the back of your mind is another story. Lastly, remmeber that college is not what the media portays it as! It's not party all day and all night, moer like study all day and maybe party later. It's just important to come into college with an open mind about what coudl happen to you and the friends you could possibly make. Sit back, relax, and prepare yourself for a truly exciting four years!

I would tell myself to relax. It isn't as big of a deal as everyone makes it out to be. Have fun with the transition and the new changes. I would also tell myself not to get too bogged down and worried. Enjoy every moment of every day because the college years can never be gotten back. Don't take a single moment for granted and help the people around you if you can. Make friends and be kind to everyone you meet. Don't be afraid to get involved. Always be yourself. Shine bright on your campus.

If I could go back in time and talk to my younger self about college, I would definitely convince myself to go for it. I would assure myself that I could accomplish anything that I set out to do. I would make sure that I would apply on time and continue on right after high school graduation. I'd let myself know of all of the fun I'd be missing out on, and the lifelong friends I may never meet if I continued on with my decision to skip college. I would let myself know that without higher education, life will turn out to be pretty tough. I would have a serious talk with myself and explain that without that education and degree, it will be very hard to find a well paying, steady, decent job. I would tell myself what a good example I'd be setting for my future children. I'd also tell myself how proud I would feel once I accomplished my goal of graduating with a degree, and embarking on a whole new adventure in the career of my own choosing. I would definitely implore myself to take my own advice.

Hello Terrell, I do commend you on crafting such a stunning resume that has helped enhance your potiential for being a prospective candidate for your acceptance into Georgia College. Your many consecutive years of voluntary service to your community and school system has had a positive influenced on several students from your very impoverished hometown. You have certainly served your community, which also influenced your continous strides to achieve acadmically as well as your willingness to stay involve. However, the enigma used to advance the lives of others should have been used to benefit yourself as well, Though all those qualites are exceptional, you unfortunatly strayed away from focusing on your next step, the Post- Secondary experience. Granted, acceptance into a University was not the problem, financing it was, that desire to be free of loan debts should have been a greater reality. Now that you are in the University of your choice it is a challenge worrying about financial security for the next semester. Being a first in your family was strong variable, however I wish that fresh new experience could have been transformed into an advantage by investing more time into scholarships. Sincerely, Your Collegiate Self

When I was in high school, I remember being very ambitious, rebellious, and stubborn. I was so set on getting out of town and experiencing the world that I jumped at the first opportunity to do so. I was excited to get away from home. I wish that there had been someone there to talk to me on MY level and warn me of the world. If I were that person, I'd tell myself: "Take it slow and analyze your situation and ask yourself if you are really making the best decision that has been thought out all the way through. You can be in your home town and still have the same college experience as if you were 100 miles away. Be cautious of who you let influence you because it is easy to get in with the wrong crowd and not realize it until something bad happens. Be your own person and surround yourself with people that accept you for being you. You are an awesome person that will go very far in life, but set yourself up for success early and you'll get there faster." - Sherry Jenkins 5/16/2013

I would tell anybody that you might as well take all the classes you need in high school. So therefor you want have alot to do in college and you can jump right into the classed you need for your major. I wish a thousand times i would have listen to my mother and i would already be started on my major classes. But now i have to get the easy high school classes out the way.

I would tell myself that it's ok to fail. I was so used to succeeding so easily, it was hard for me to deal in college with less than perfect grades. I also would tell myself that I am not the only one nervous or lost in being on your own and not knowing what to do with your life. I would also tell myself to enjoy the college experience and the freedom it provides. I would also allow myself to experience lots of new things so I can find out more about myself. More than anything I would tell myself to relax and to not despair for too long. The bad times always pass.

If i could talk to my high school self, i would tell myself to go to all sports events. Stuff like that makes you take pride in your school, something I never really came into contact with. I would also tell myself to not get so hung up on guys and the drama they bring. Girls lose their friends over guys every day and i really don't think it's worth it. When you're young, you don't know about the feelings that are involved in your high school relationships, and you can get really hurt when you start dating. So just relax, spend time with your friends and family, get involved, and most importantly: study! if you do this, you will be more prepared for college and study habits that are required. You need to spend these few years improving rather than slowing down and settling with people who don't have real goals. You only live once, & high school is where you set your foundation. When you apply to colleges, you're going to need to have good grades in order to get into great schools. So have fun, but get ready for takeoff after graduation!

I would still choose the same college, just perhaps a different major. As I started out an accounting major, I was intimidated with the course load, but I shouldn't have been. I learned this the hard was as a middle grades education major, which is said to be one of the most intensive majors one could take in the university. Unfortunately that proved true. Not only did the work load intensify, it didn't make sense. It seemed at times that we would have to do things just to say we did them, which to me was redundant and illogical. The professors weren't always true teachers in my opinion and, if anything, they weakened my resolve to get through the course load. So, if I had it to do over again, I would tell my high school self to stick with accounting or else go into the medical field as I am now and go to another college that focuses on that.

I would have a nice talked with myself about how difficult the proffesional ambient is. That the best way to be succesful in life is going to college and study what I like the most or Im passionate for. Studying will give me the skills necessary to get a job according to my carrer. I would tell myself also, that college experience is the best, you will learn a lot and You will appreciate that because that is what you will become in a future. It worth the dedication that you provide to the studies because the hard work and dedication will pay off. I lost many years of my life without being studying and now I appreciate that more and more. i cameback to study and I love it.

Do more. Put yourself in situations that might not be comfortable because that is the only way you can grow. Sure you might mess up, but mistakes help make who you will become. Take everything in moderation, including moderation. Find a balance between your school, work, and social life, while remembering that sometimes it's best to just let loose. Forgive. There is an important difference between bad people and good people who have done bad things. Know that sometimes things really are accidents and that a happy life cannot be lead with a heavy heart. Making money does not equal success. Being successfull is accomplishing what you set out to do. If that is only to be rich, fine. But if that is to be happy, live accordingly. And finally, put others before yourself. Life is short. Life is hard. Life can be unfair, but no matter how bad you have it someone else is having a worse day. Try to make one person smile per day and your will be happier by proxy.

Dear High School Emily, You’re about to graduate high school, and head off to college. So, here’s a little advice I wish I would have known going into this. First, don’t let anyone decide your future for you. It’s your future. Do what makes you happy, and don’t take anything for granted. Second, you are not perfect. Allow yourself to make mistakes. This is the time to make mistakes and learn from them! Third, remember to breathe! College can be stressful, but that doesn’t mean you have to let it get the best of you. A little bit of stress is healthy, but don’t let it take over. If you let it take over, it will ruin some of your college experience. Trust me, it’s not fun. Always remember your favorite quote, “It’ll be okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end.” Last, but not least, have fun! College is your time to be yourself, make friends, and enjoy yourself! Just remember these few things, and you're college experience will be all but boring! See you soon! -Emily

Going back in time to myself as a high school senior being a college senior now, I would tell myself not to worry and to let loose a little bit. In high school I was a teacher's pet, brown noser, suck up, whatever you want to call it. I was so worried about what older people thought about me that I tried to grow up before I was ready. During college, I've realized how to be comfortable in my own skin. I came to understand that the only opinion of me that really mattered was my own. In high school, I was so focused on perfect grades that I didn't allow myself the time or luxury to invest in relationships with people. In college, I now understand the value of others, and while maintaining decent grades, I have gained friendships that I know will last. Lastly, I'd tell myself to smile, laugh, and have more fun. I used to take myself so seriously, I couldn't even laugh at myself when I messed up. Now I cherish the times that I can poke fun and kick myself for mistakes. It's all about perspective and experience.

I would make better grades in high school. I slacked off a lot and didn't care. This affected my hope scholarship. I was .02 points away from recieving it and I wish I tried harder to ease the financial burden off my parents.

I was one of those strange seniors who picked a harder schedule for myself on purpose. If I could go back in time I was reassure myself I was making the current decision because many times I doubted my thought process and thought I was crazy for actually having to study and work hard last year. Turns out it paid off because I entered college with more background work than most of my peers. I was already taking classes that do not count homework as a grade, teachers don't give study guides, and most of all teachers don't outline exactly what needs to be read.

I would tell myself to not worry so much, and to ultimately put your trust in God's overall plan for you. Everything happens for a reason, and whatever happens was meant to happen. I was rejected from the University of Georgia. But now I am thrilled that I was. If I had been accepted, I wouldn't have gone to Georgia College and State University. I wouldn't have met all these amazing people I know here, nor would have gotten the truly enjoyable experience I have had while I've been here. I feel like this is where I was always meant to be, and God was putting things into motion to help get me here. I feel so unbelievably blessed because I really don't have any complaints about my life. Of course I've had plenty of down moments, but many more joyous ones. I would tell my high school senior self to not worry too much on the future, and focus on the present. Because everything happens the way it was meant to, and I truly beleive it has from where I am in my life right now. God Bless!

If I could give myself advice about college I would tell myself to prepare to brave and outgoing. I would tell myself how difficult it is to meet new people and how much courage it takes to go out and get involved when you do not know anyone. I would tell myself to spend less money on college supplies and dorm items because college is more expensive than you think. My last piece of advice for myself would be to prepare for cafeteria food. I thought I would love our cafeteria but it got boring really fast.

Dear Joseph Swearingen, We meet again. I am you from just a few years down the road. Today, you are just a boy with no desires or life goals, but in just four short years, you will become a confident, motivated, and inspired man. You will go to college. Your transition will be tough; you’ll leave your home for the first time, go live with three complete strangers, and you will have no other friends there. You will start over and through the hard times of finding friends and figuring out your life, you will build this foundation up within yourself to be someone better than you are now. If you don’t leave and suffer through the hard times then you will always be missing part of yourself that you never knew you could have. My advice: Be up for anything and always take the bad experiences with a grain of salt. Understand that every step you take the next four years is a step in the right direction. You will learn more about yourself in college than all the information in every textbook you’ll ever buy. That’s the path you will take, so start walking!

My advice to seniors in high school would be to be outgoing and friendly. When you get to college, you may not know anybody, but nobody else knows anybody either. Go around and meet as many people as you can. Go to events that your building puts on and don't be shy: talk to people. The more people you meet, the more comfortable the transition into college will be. Also, stay at school over the weekends. All of your friends may be going home, but you get a chance to meet new people or get to know people better. Staying over the weekends will also give you time to be productive with school work. Study even when you think you've studied enough. Most college students lose gpa-based scholarships in their first year, don't be one of them!

The first piece of advice I would have given myself would have been to learn how to study better in high school instead of having to learn how to in college! You may think college will not be that hard, but on the contrary, it sure is. Another piece of advice would have to definitly completed more AP classes to get some of the core classes out of the way so I could have begun my major classes earlier! Another small piece of advice, I would have never brought this much stuff to college! The closets are not sufficient for all the clothes I have!! But most of all, I would have told myself to take advantage of the time to spend with your family because now that I am at college, I miss them more than ever and I do not get to see them everyday, so take advantage of the time you have with the ones you love!

I have learned a lot about myself through learning about the world around me.

I've been at my college for the past four years and I do not regret attending there at all. Since my freshman year, I've made lasting friendships and relationships that I know I will keep forever. I've discovered a lot about myself and who I truly want to be once I walk across the graduation stage. The professors, classes, and student body, have helped me find out who I am and what my priorities and goals are in life. The college has also taught me what is truly important in life, and that is to never give up on your goals and to never be afraid to be yourself. Without Georgia College and State University, I would not be the successful student with a set future that I am today.

I have met some of my very best and life long friends. I also am learning a great amount in my content area of education. We are hands on in the classrooms from day one and I feel like that is a great value because it has given me a great sense of what I want to do after graduation without being thrown into the "real world" without having had experienced it yet.

I have gotten many things from my college experience so far. I feel like the person I am now is someone more mature then the person I was only a semester ago. College definitely made me grow up and become a more responsible person. From an academic perspective I learned how to truly study and use my time wisely. I wouldn’t have been able to stay afloat in college of I didn’t learn these valuable skills. I also learned how to take care of myself. My mom was no longer around to wake me up, do my laundry, provide food for me, and pay for what I needed. I had to do all these things now and had no one to depend on. College has been valuable to attend because It makes a person grow up and be ready for society after the fact. An education is a very important thing and without one life is a lot harder. I am thankful that I went and can go to school. I can’t wait for what else I learn in my next years, and what God holds for my future.

I have gotten many things out of my college experience. I have been given the opprotunity to grow up and take care of myself. I have been able to expand my social life and meet make many new friends. I joined a sorority my sophomore year which led me to come out of my shell and take on many leadership positions. I have been able to recieve the education and experience that I need to become the best elementary school teacher I can possibly be. Being a student at Georgia College and State Universtiy has provided me with many educational and social experiences that I will take with me for the rest of my life.

I have learned so much in college so far. I have stayed very focused in all of my classes and studied very hard for all the exams I have had. I am currently on the Dean's List at Georgia College and State University for academic good standing. My current GPA is a 3.6 and I am very proud of that. College has been valuable to attend because it is getting me closer to achieving of my overall goal for my career, to become a physical therapist. I have wanted to be a physical therapist for as long as I can remember. I want to become one because since I was a dancer for my entire life, I have had my fair share of injuries. I was sent to physical therapy many times and the therapist really helped me and brought me back to my full dancing potential. I would love to be able to help other people in the same way that I have been helped. College is very valuable to attend because it will help me achieve my goal of becoming a physical therapist.

Before I started attending college, I was basically lost. I didn't know where I was going, what I was doing, or even if I wanted to keep trying to do anything at all. My life was a mess, and I didn't really care about anything. But then, probably in an effort to get me to leave the house, my parents told me to sign up for college immediately. I didn't want to go, I didn't want to be forced to do anything I didn't want to do, but I went anyway, and it's made all the difference. I finally feel like I belong somewhere. I'm out on my own, and I don't have to feel scrutinized by my parents for all the mistakes I've made. College has helped me to finally grow up and see the potential I have. I'm excited for life instead of dreading the idea that I'll just live and die, and life will mean nothing. College has definitely been one of the best things that has happened to me, and I'm excited to have more experiences just like it.

I have learned that college is so much easier to do than I expected at first. I was worried I would have a hard time getting to classes and getting all of my work done, but so far it has gone by so smoothly. I enjoy every minute at college. I think it has been most valuable because not only have I met some wonderful people here, but there is so much diversity here. Being at a liberal arts college, there is something going on in the arts and fine arts departments every week. I have been to three plays and seen a chorus, band, and orchestra concert. Everyone is also so committed to what they do here. Just the feeling of accomplishment tells me that I have chosen the right school for myself. I know i made the right choice in coming to Georgia COllege and State University.

It is a great school if what you're looking for is the small school atmosphere and the close-knit communities. It's a school I've found that you either love or you hate, with almost no middle ground. I personally disliked my experience there and have now transferred to another university, but I think it was a decent place to start my college career since the classes are small and you're not just a number in the crowd. People usually do know your name and the departments are small enough that after having a few semesters, you'll be acquainted with at least half of the professors, which is always helpful when you're trying to get paperwork done and so on.

I have learned to be more responsible and how to be more independent. While being here, I have learned so much more about myself. While being financially dependent from my parents for 2 years now, I have learned how to handle my money so I am able to pay for my education and still eat! While I have have had a rough couple of years, I would never change anything about those years because they have taught me so much. While I have gained so much knowledge with the classes I've taken, I have also gained so much in knowledge of myself. I feel as though I am going to be so much more prepared for life when I graduate than most of my friends who are still financially dependent on their parents. I may not have the easiest college life, but I am getting way more out of it than the average student.

I believe that college has allowed me to broaden my view of the world. It has taught me to question the world I live in and that it is perfectly acceptable to question your beliefs. It has put me in a situation where I am able to interact with curious minds much like my own. I feel that college is a necessary stepping stone that should be in everyone's life. It not only gives you the tool's you will need to succeed in life but it also gives you an important opportunity to grow as an individual.

It was a pivotal moment in my life; that few seconds when the binding of an old book creaked as I opened it. Suddenly I had been taken in by a new world. At 5 years old we can?t discern what will become of ourselves. I however, had. The day I read Jacques Cousteau?s ?The Silent World? I was simply a little girl that was fascinated by the sea and knew I would one day become a Marine Biologist. Today I am 19, a single mom, and a full time 4.0 college student. I have since matured, but have never lost sight of my dream or stopped working towards it. Attending college has opened my eyes to the world, teaching me that all organisms from single cell amoeba to humans are unified and dependant on one another. When such relationships are damaged all species suffer to some degree. Learning this sparked more determination within me to continue my education and research how people can live symbiotically with the environment and restore the damage already done, particularly in the oceans as they contain more species than all terrestrial areas combined. I will make a change in the world.

So far, from my college experience, I have learned to become much more independant. This skill is going to be one that I can use in my career and will be very valuable. I have also learned to take initiative in my studies and interactions with my peers and teachers. One of the main focuses in my program has been on hands on experience which has really helped show me that I have made the choice for my career, and also help those who were unsure to decide before they were a few years into school. I've had to work much harder in college than I did in high school, which has taught me time management and organization as well.

During my college experience, I have learned academically; however, I have learned on a higher level as well. I have had to work hard for things. Although I come from a middle class family, they have not helped me with my education. I have struggled to get to where I am now. I have learned to appreciate what I have, what I am given, and what I achieve. I also know the benefits of hard work. I used to be a very shy person, but attending college has helped me overcome this. I have made many life-long friends and have also met my fiance.

College, for me, has given me a new understanding and appreciation of life and all the options I have been blessed with. College is where I have become the confidant, intelligent woman I?ve always wanted to be. I have worked as a Resident Assistant for three years while studying and this job has taught me how to juggle papers, tests, friends, family, clubs, meetings, programs, paperwork, and other work with my job with grace and confidence. I have become heavily involved with my campus? women?s resource center and have now received the Presidential Volunteer Service Award for putting in over 100 hours of service. I would have never gotten involved with these now lifelong passions if it weren?t for college. I cannot put a dollar amount or even words to the impact that four years of college have had on me. I am not, and never will be the same person I was when I first walked into Georgia College and State University.

I have definitely learned more independence. I have learned more about living in the real world, and I'm starting to learn how much things cost in general. I have been learning time managment also. I have had to learn how to separate time between school and friends. My dad always told me work first and play later and I am truly understanding the meaning of that. I have learned how to be more outgoing and confident. I have broadened my horizons and learned to make friends out of my normal friend group. I feel like it has been valuable for me to attend GCSU because I wouldn't have learned these things anywhere else. There is nothing like the college experience, it really is a special time in life. You learn to live with other people and constantly experience new things.

I love this school! I have had great academic success and extracuricular success as well. I am gaining experience that will be needed in my profession in the future, and I also am gaining a lot of life lessons as well. I have been able to push myself to heights that might not have been available at other schools and/or not conducive to accomplish at other schools. I feel more confident than ever to step out on my own and start my career in a few years, and I feel like my college experience overall has made this possible. I am looking forward to great things in my last two years at the school, and I know that I am never going to look back and regret my schooling experiences or attending college in general.

I have learned much about people that have opposite views as I have. I have learned how to deal with intense political opposition and how to take part in intelligent political debate. I have learned when to speak out and when to bite my toungue so I don't ruin my chances for success.

If I could go back to myself as a senior in high school, I would tell myself to work harder in the last year so I would not have to worry so much about reaching the HOPE scholarship in Georgia. I would also tell myself to not be afraid to speak up in the classroom but also to learn to be slow to speak in times outside of the classroom. Another thing I would tell myself would be to make sure I would study more than a day in advance and to make sure to get all of my work in time so I would not have a lot of stress when it would come to a test or finals. Lastly, I would tell myself to be myself and not to act like anyone else, so people will accept me for who I am.

If i could go back would i with the knowledge i know now? I would probably just want to go back to give myself encouragement that in the end everything will be okay. I would want to tell myself that all the things you hear about college students are true and that college is harder than high school. I would also tell myself to not let my study skills fall during my junior and senior year because in college you need them more then ever because no one is telling you to do your homework or to go to class. And that sleep is an essential part of any good day or week. I would just tell myself little things like that , although i would never want to relieve those days.

If I could go back in time and tell myself how to adjust to college life, I would tell myself to branch out immediately! I would tell myself to purposefully get into awkward situations in order to meet people. Go to as many extracurricular activities as possible, even if they may not interest you. The only way to settle in is to branch out. Make as many friends as possible, and don't be afraid to speak out to people.

I would tell myself to make sure I choose to go to Georgia College and State University because I fit in perfectly there. I would tell myself to work really hard freshman year for a high GPA to create a padding for myself when classes become more difficult the following semesters and I begin to lose scholarships because of slipping grades. I would also tell myself not to join a sorority because although they are not the sterotypical things that are depicted in college party movies, they really take up a lot of time and money- both of which I could use to do far better things. I would also tell myself to try and abandon my uptight worries because trying things once really opens up a person's eyes.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would remind myself that it's not all easy. I'd remind myself to keep my head on my shoulders and to study hard, because nothing comes easy in college and if you don't study, you won't succeed. I would remind myself that I graduated in the top ten percent of my senior class and that I have the intelligence to do anything I want and to accomplish all of my goals I have in life. And slacking, isn't really going to cut it in the real world. Really, I would just tell myself "Danielle, study hard, and party less. Have fun, but make sure those grades come first so you can keep that GPA up and graduate on time and at the school of your dreams. Nothing comes easy in college, and mommy isn't there to take care of you. It's time to grow up and be responsible on your own! Just look foward to counseling the kids who had a childhood like yours, to get you through".

High school was not so long ago for me, yet I know now that there are things that I could have done differently. When I was a senior, I was only concerned with getting out of high school and being accepted into college. In fact, my biggest fear was not making it to college, even though I had all A's and perfect behavior. The first thing I would tell myself is to relax, because the process is much smoother if you take the time to breathe and think rationally about everything. The second thing I would tell myself is to enjoy the moments with my family. I know now that I actually DO miss them (believe it or not) and I wish we had more time to spend together, especially with my little sister. The last thing I would tell myself is to take more pictures, and cherish the "good life" because now I have a job, school, and homework, and I have to make it all work. There is not much room for friends there. I feel as if I have grown up some, and lost some of my naivety, but that's what college is all about.

In high school I was always worried about making friends and fitting in. I would tell myself to relax because everything will be alright. I will find friends and a group that I belong in. It is not as hard as everyone makes it out to be, the teachers do care, and do want you to succeed. They are not waiting for you to fail and they want to help you. I would tell myself that I will be able to keep up with the class work because I've made it this far and I can go the distance. I would tell myself to create better study habits, studing in front of the television does not count as a good study habit. I would tell myself that that though it will be hard in the beginning I will be okay, and I am ment to be here in college. It won't always be a breeze but I will survive and this is just a stepping stone to a better life.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself, as a senior in highschool, about college life I would myself that I need to study harder. College life is not all about partying and having fun, its about getting an education and finding out who you are as a person. I would tell myself to stop being so dumb and start reading my text books so I could make good grades and get into the college I want. I would tell myself that college is more challenging than highschool. The teachers do not baby you and except you to turn in your work on time with no exceptions. I would tell myself to think about what I really want to do with the rest of my life [and maybe I would give myself a hint haha (: ] I would tell myself not to go crazy when I graduated so that I wouldn't get into any trouble. If I could go back in time I think I would basically tell myself that college is that best time of your life and if you waste it on partying or studying in your room all the time, you will miss out.

Register EARLY, and use your HOPE hours wisely. You'll miss them when they're all used up.

If I went back in time to talk to myself, I don't think I would tell myself anything different. I knew that the transition would be a little difficult but not living at home and having my family there with me everyday wasn't something I had to worry about. I have always been kind of an independent person and I can take care of myself because I'm responsible and wise beyond my years. Even though I was the first person in my family to ever go to college, I felt secure enough to know that everything was going to be fine. Thankfully, I was accepted to my first choice, which is only about 30-45 minutes from home. Therefore, it was far enough away that I could be alone but still close enough to home to where I could be there pretty much anytime I wanted or needed. I really have to thank my grandma the most because if it wasn't for her helping me pay for school, I wouldn't be where I am today. I know that she is so proud of me and she wants this for me as much as I do.

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself not to stress or worry about college. It seems scary going off from home and leaving your comfort zone, but meeting new people and living on your own is a great experience! Just because you're in college, don't slack off because a fraternity is having a party on a Thursday night. If you have a test on Friday, stay home and study. Go out and actually meet new people. Don't be afraid to introduce yourself because you are most likely not the only person who is nervous about making new friends. Also, make sure to stay away from that freshman fifteen. It's not a myth. Talk to your professors if you need help, don't shy away. That's what they're there for. Always remember to call your parents at least once a week, even if it seemed like when you left, they planned to change the locks at home. Finally, remember to have a good time, and study. You're here for your future and you need to try and make the best out of it!