There’s a short period of time in a person’s life when they can blame everything on one little word- “college.”  Twenty years from now when your kids ask you why your hair is bright pink in that picture, you simply reply, “college” and it’s totally accepted.  Here are some survival tips for all of those baby Warhawks who are about to start the best and most confusing phase of life, college:

Dorm sweet dorm. Having a roommate can be awkward at times, especially if he/she is randomly selected. Take the time to get to know your roommate and your suitemates. Set schedules for cleaning, showering time, etc. If things are hectic on the home front, everyone is going to be miserable.

  How to avoid the ‘Freshman 15.’ Meal plans are a wonderful thing because it gives the illusion of free food (you definitely paid for that), but be careful. The all-you-can-eat buffet set up in the cafeteria is NOT a challenge to see how much you can eat and how often.  Remember to still eat healthy portions and make good food choices. Also, take advantage of the Activity Center, it’s free too, (you definitely paid for that).

Be involved. Join every club, organization and activity you possibly can. This is the time to discover who you are and who you want to become. The absolute worst feeling is regret, and you are lucky enough to be at the very beginning of your time as a Warhawk. Four years goes faster than you think. Don’t waste one second.

Being thrifty is nifty. There is a very big trend called, “I’m a broke college kid.”  Be sensible with your money. Rent your text books, clip those coupons, carpool to the store, sell plasma (apparently you don’t need it) and if you have access to a kitchen- cook instead of going out to eat every night.  It’s easy to get caught up in the wonderful world of being on your own and having your own money. Let that first bill come in that you can’t pay because you bought a Coach purse.  You will be running to sell your plasma like girl scout cookies.

Books over Booze. Always pick studying over partying. Sure it may make you feel like a cool kid to get invited to that raging party Thursday night, but when you get kicked out of class on Friday morning because you fell asleep, remember you did it. If your GPA falls because you skipped every single 8 a.m. class your first semester, well, grad schools tend to frown upon that. Don’t make your life harder than you have to.

Pat Benatar taught the world that love is a battlefield. Well Pat Benatar was wrong. College is the battlefield.  Good luck Warhawks!