Hello, seniors! I hope you are all enjoying your last few months of high school before moving onto the next chapter of your life! Take advantage of these last few months in high school. Don’t stress out too much about college right now- enjoy your time with your friends and cherish your high school memories. College will be an awakening for all of you. New opportunities and full of fun. As I finish my first year in college, I want to give you some advice I have gained so far as a college student:

• Print out and read your syllabus for each class before your first day. This way, you know what your professors require. Remember that your professors will not always be nice and remind you about upcoming and due assignments.

• Textbooks are EXPENSIVE. Don’t buy your textbooks before the first day of class, unless told otherwise by your professors. Weigh your options, look for them in cheap websites like Chegg or Amazon Prime before buying them for full price or at the campus bookstore. It’s definitely worth saving every penny you can!

• Buy a planner and color code your classes! Like I said before, your professors aren’t always after you to remind you what to turn in. Copy your syllabi onto your planner! It is very important to keep after yourself and your assignments. It is very easy to fall off track on your assignments, even after missing a couple of classes.

• With that in mind, it is up to YOU to attend class every day. Although, it might seem easy to skip a day or two of class, you could end up failing or having to drop a class for missing important material. You literally get out what you put in. Whether you or your parents are the financial supporters, you might as well attend class.

• Take advantage of the resources available on campus! These resources are on campus for your disposal. You are paying for these resources, so extra help on your papers, tutoring, is definitely worthwhile.

• Join organizations, get involved! You never know where new opportunities can take you! Plus, it looks great on your resume! Joining organizations lets you meet new people and make friends!

• Believe it or not, naps are life savers in college. I find myself taking more naps now than ever. Even though it may seem like there’s no time for anything, take the time for breaks and food. Studying can be overwhelming.

• Yes, there’s time for fun and hanging out with your friends- just find your way to balance school and studying with your social life. Find what works for you. Set study hours with a group of friends or by yourself. The library will become your frequent go-to for studying.

• Lastly, don’t compare yourself to others. Focus on yourself and your journey. Not everything is set in stone the first year, so don’t worry. Surround yourself with supportive and positive people! Talk to your advisers! College teaches you to become independent, to keep after yourself and manage your time- but remember to have fun and enjoy it!