Meet your neighbors

College is all about socializing and being able to have fun with your friends. When you move into your new place you should get to know your new roommates as well as the people living in the surrounding houses/dorm rooms. Some of my long-lasting friendships were built in my college years with some girls living in the house next door. Bake some treats to bring around to the neighbors or see if they want to go out for coffee or dinner. You already have something in common with them since you’re going to the same school and just moved out on your own for the first time.

Try not to work too much your first year

I made the mistake of working night shifts at the Cheesecake Factory 40+ hours/week my first quarter at the University. Unfortunately I wouldn’t get home until around 2:00am so I never made it to my 7:30 class in the morning. Try working part-time and maybe taking out extra loans your first year until you get adjusted to your new lifestyle. It’s amazing how little time you have for studying/being responsible when mom and dad aren’t around.

Get to know people in your classes

This goes along with getting to know your neighbors because you might as well make good use of being around all those new people. Try to be friendly and introduce yourself to someone sitting next to you in class. Not only can you make a new friend, but that person can be a great study buddy and take notes for you if you happen to miss class one day! Don’t forget to offer to return the favor though.

Be smart at parties

It would be naive to think that first year college students aren’t going to attend Frat Parties. Just make sure that you walk there so that you don’t put yourself in the position to drink and drive or to get into a vehicle with someone else who has been drinking. Also make sure to have a buddy with you so that you can keep an eye on each other and keep each other out of sticky situations.