College Life: Great Tips for Taking on the Transition from High School to College

For students who just graduated high school, going off to college is a whole different world. Students have freedom-- no more 7-hour school days, no more teachers who would bend over backwards for you, and no more parents to be there to drag you out of bed and make you go to class. Although this is good news to most people, students often have a hard time adapting and transitioning to college life. With these 5 easy tips, you'll have a firm grasp on how to tackle the transition and be fully ready for college life.
1). Homesickness is natural: Being away from home after living there for the first 18 years of your life is hard for many people. You may miss your family, friends and home, but the comforting part is that there are hundreds of other people in your dorm going through the same thing. Use that to your advantage and meet some people on your floor or in your classes. And most importantly, know that the homesick feeling is natural-- and in time it is sure to go away!
2). Balance is key: It's easy to think that you have all the time in the world in college. There will be time to spend on studying and catching up on work, and also time to relax, unwind, and have some fun-- but make sure you manage your time and keep a healthy balance of these. Too much time spent in the library will drive you crazy, and too much time spent out with your friends will hurt your grades. So prioritize. And remember: work hard, play hard!
3). Stress is a norm: Between multiple classes and loads of different work piling up, you may have a constant feeling of being overwhelmed and stressed. However, that's a feeling that will become so common it will almost feel natural. As confusing as it may sound, the key is to prepare to feel unprepared. Just be sure you have some "you" time-- to relax, unwind, and relieve a little stress between your chaotic schedule.
4). Get to know your professors: Nobody likes to be a brown-noser. But introducing yourself and getting on a more personal level with your academic advisors will not only help your grades, but allow you to have someone to go to as well. It's not like high school where you need to be "cool;" it's a time where getting to know your professors and advisors will help you and your grades in the long run.
5). Budget your money: It's so easy to blow off the money you've saved over summer once you get to college. Between the necessary things-- books, food, events-- and the not-so-necessary things-- partying, clothes, going to the movies-- you can see a quickly-developing hole in your wallet. Set aside a certain amount of money each week to serve as your "spending" money and be sure to never exceed that limit. There will be many on-campus and off-campus job opportunities as well!

So, it's here. It's time to pack your things, say goodbye to your family and friends, and officially take the plunge into becoming a college freshman. But with these tips, you are ready to meet new people, manage your time, overcome stress, and budget your money. So be sure to prioritize, but be sure to save that time to unwind and let loose too. Use these tips to help you take on the transition into freshman year, and enjoy your college experience to the fullest!