1. Explore your campus.

After unpacking the overwhelming amount of stuff you brought to decorate your room, it’s time to get down to business. Most campuses have you move in a few days before classes, and I’m almost positive it isn’t just so you can sit around and catch up on your Netflix (that’s for later). Grab your roommates and explore! It doesn’t matter the size of your school, it’s important to know where everything is. Go walk through all the buildings to find your classrooms, the dining halls, mail room, and your lovely wellness center! If you don’t do this now, you’re going to look like a chicken with its head cut off on the first, second, third, and most likely fourth day of classes.

2. Stay safe.

For the most part, college campuses are constantly looking to better their safety for students, and the resources available in the case of an emergency. Walk through your residence hall and make sure you know where the nearest emergency exits are. Hopefully you’ll never have to deal with a real fire in your residence hall, but you’ll definitely be dealing with some fire drills in your college career. When you’re exploring your campus, take a look around and make a mental note of any emergency devices located on your campus. Ask your resident assistants for your campus police phone number, which is different from 911 and save it in your phone! In the case of an emergency call 911, but please be aware that dialing 911 will not direct you to your campus police. If you are looking to inform your campus police of something happening on campus it would be beneficial to have their number on speed dial.

3. Utilize the upperclassmen.

They don't bite...well some might. For the most part, if you need to ask a question to someone in passing, they’ll be more than happy to help. Your fellow classmates, orientation leaders, staff, faculty, and professors are all useful resources that were either once in your shoes or most definitely knew someone that was. Need help finding your class in 013B? Maybe all you need is some help connecting to the absolutely terrible Wifi? No problem! Stop, take a deep breath and ask someone.

4. Try every dining hall.

Of course you’re going to find your favorite places, but why stick to one place? It’s easy to get in the routine of one specific dining hall, but why not branch out? You’re going to be spending the next four years of your life on this campus, you might as well find out which dining hall has the best Greek salad. I understand it would be delicious and fun to have a diet of chicken fingers and fries, but in reality if you’re looking to stay healthy during your college career, you’re going to have to eat more than just that.

5. Know what’s available

Thousands of students will live four years of their life only going to classes and will never branch out to see what else their campus has to offer. If you’re struggling in a class, there’s someone that can help. If you’re doing well in a certain class, you could be employed by an office to help tutor others. If you’re struggling with a recent breakup, there’s someone you can talk you. If you need some extra money, there’s usually an office to help you find jobs available on and around your campus. If you need help practicing for an important interview, or could use some help improving your resume, career services is an office everyone should go to before graduating. Maybe you want to join a club; there will most definitely be an office that can help you find a club that fits you interests. If for whatever reason there isn’t a club that sparks your interest, ask if and how it’s possible to start your own club!

6. Your RAs aren’t your enemies.

Resident assistants can most definitely be your friends, but also be aware that they are employed by their university to perform a certain job. Your friendly RAs are in each of your resident halls to answer questions, help with any problems, and be a resource for really anything you need. If you’re having problems with your roommates both your resident directors and resident assistants are available to help. Know that if you break residence hall or school policies, it’s part of their job description to follow certain protocol that is asked of them. Don’t make their jobs any harder than they already are; don’t break the policies, because they’ve clearly been put in place for a reason.

7. Talk to your professors.

If you’re serious about your academics and are looking to get a job after college, you’re probably going to need recommendations. Who better to write you a glowing recommendation than the professors who saw you’re really trying your best to get good grades and truly learn in class. Stop by your professor’s office and get help on homework if you need it, and if you aren’t struggling, there’s no harm in getting your paper revised and turning that A- paper into an A. Professors aren’t just older human beings that stand in the front of a classroom spewing information at you; they’re resources that can help you learn, and that could potentially even help you find a job after college. Know that during your college career, there's truly never a bad time to network!

8. Ignore the whispers.

Numerous rumors and stereotypes will be thrown around for different sports, clubs, or organizations on your campus and it’s important to ignore them. If you‘re considering getting involved on your campus, there should be nothing holding you back. Be your own person, and make your own judgments when looking into and exploring what organizations your campus has to offer. You and your roommates don’t have to be in all of the same clubs, join what organizations you’re truly interested in.

9. Live in the moment.

You will hear it a million and half times, but college really does fly by. At the time, it may seem like you’ve been studying for weeks for this organic chemistry final, but in reality when you’re crossing that stage on graduation day it’ll feel like you had only studied for a day. When you are given the chance or opportunity to do something, do it! Whether it will help you land your dream job, or maybe it’ll just be an experience of a lifetime, there is no better time than now. In a quick five years, you may be at a nine to five job that you love, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be able to drop everything and go explore Europe for six months. College campuses have so much to offer their students, make sure to take a step back once in a while and make sure you’re doing everything you can to help yourself achieve your goals.