High School Graduation is complete and finally over!!! Think you are ready for college??? Guess again! Here are some fun and helpful tips that will help high school graduates prepare for their transition to college and the next four to six years of their lives... 

1. Being Homesick: Remember, the things you miss are the things that have been part of your life for years, things that took time to establish. The knee-jerk reaction is to run back to the familiar. There's nothing wrong with visiting home, talking with friends online or on the phone, but do so in moderation. The cure to homesickness is not at home - it's realizing how you made your old home so comfortable and doing the same things in your new home.
    

2. Making friends on campus: Always leave your dorm room door open. Close it only if you're sleeping or not at home. Most first year college students come to college without friends so considering that most people need friends, meeting people becomes easy. You're forced to meet your roommate and next comes your roommate's friends. Get involved on campus in groups, intramurals, activities, etc. You have to put yourself out there to meet people!
    

3. Attending Class: You can miss classes once in awhile, but you have to be very strategic about it. If you miss a lot of classes, your grades will suffer. Some instructors award credit just for attending class so always check attendance policies. Also, sitting in the class and playing games on your phone, texting people, and watching episodes of Empire on your computer counts as sitting in - NOT actually being in - class. If you must miss, let your professor know and get notes from a friend or off of a class website. Visit your professor's office hours that week, too!
    

4. Doing Laundry: Stock up on underwear! The truth about laundry in college is that doing it for most people will be a rare event. Remember to not wash dark and light colors together. Keep a close eye on your laundry. If you aren't there when your laundry finishes washing/ drying, do not be surprised if you find that it has been moved out of the washer/dryer by someone so that they can start their laundry. Time is of the essence!
    

5. Avoiding the Freshman 15: Remain active and exercise control at the dining hall buffet. Walk to class and don't always take a campus bus. Get to know your campus pools, workout facilities, tracks, etc. You're paying for them with tuition so get your money's worth! Join an intramural sports team and keep moving. When it's time for lunch and dinner, use judgement when going through the buffet line. It's all you can eat, but remember that all you can eat for an entire year can add up around your waistline. Stay healthy!
    

6. Textbooks: Definitely visit the campus bookstore for school apparel, foam fingers to show school spirit, and family gifts to send home since some will only go home during the winter holidays. Most importantly, be sure to pick up your textbooks if you still have money left over! (No need to worry parents) The campus bookstore will provide you with exactly what you need when it comes to obtaining your textbooks for your courses. While the campus bookstore is a great place to obtain textbooks, also take advantage of shopping around online or locally if you are looking to save time on delivery and maybe even money.