With the start of a semester comes new classes, new faces and new challenges. After two years as a Tommie, I’ve learned a lot not only from when I’ve messed up, but from watching others who have figured things out. Here’s some advice to make your start on the college journey a little less bumpy.

Get organized.
If you’ve ever seen me in a class, you’ve probably seen my assignment notebook. It doesn’t just include homework assignments but events I’m attending, deadlines for work and inspirational quotes to get me through my busy weeks. While I jokingly call it “my life,” it does keep me organized. If I don’t write something down in it, there’s a good chance I won’t get it done. In whatever way works best for you, keep track of what you need to accomplish to make your days more efficient.

Don’t look at class as a burden.
These classes cost money. I’m sure this isn’t the first time you’re hearing this, but it’s true. If you’re not paying, someone else is. I hear you, classes can be hard and long sometimes; however, there are so many people who will never have the opportunity to experience what our professors are teaching us. Try and look at courses as an opportunity instead.

Get out there.
I’m not saying attend every single event that is happening on campus. If you do, you’ll burn out, and all that’s left is a sad puddle of a human being. Instead, pick one activity to try this year. Getting involved on campus is a quick, easy way to feel involved in this community.

Sleep.
Your body needs more than you probably give yourself. Trying to function on a few hours doesn’t make sense. Make it a priority to hit the sheets at a reasonable time as much as you can. If anything, do it for those of us who’ve pulled all nighters. Trust me, they’re not fun. No matter how much work you have to do, if you don’t have time to sleep, either you’re procrastinating or you’re doing too much.

Talk to your roommate.
The year will be much easier if you keep the conversations going during the year. It will also be easier if you try to keep good relationships with your floor mates or other apartment neighbors. It will help to make any conflicts less awkward.

Be yourself.
It’s a lot harder to keep up a false impression of who you are than to just be yourself. While you may not fully know who that is yet, don’t worry. No one has it all together. If they do, they are just very good actors.

Spend time in the Anderson Student Center.
A lot of my friends have asked how I know so many people and a lot of it has to do with all my time spent being open to meeting new people and a great place to do that is in the center of our campus. New people equals new friends, and those friends might introduce you to other people, helping to build the St. Thomas community together.

Cheer on the Tommies.
Going to one or two football games and only staying through the first half does not make you a sports fan. I know that I did this a lot last year, so I too am going to try to attend more than just one sporting event and stay the entire time, supporting our Tommies!

Procrastination isn’t cool.
If you don’t get in the habit of it, it’s easier to keep up the habit of getting assignments done early. Plus, when you hang out with friends, you won’t be thinking about all the stuff piled up on your desk for you to do.

Do something different.
Get a drastic haircut. Try getting up early to work out. If you attend a church service once a week, try out the daily mass. It’s shorter and there’s less people. Just get out of your comfort zone. You might end up hating what you tried, or maybe you’ll love it: who knows? Just do something.

And finally, please, chill out. You will fit in. You will make friends. You will do well in classes. If you work hard and ask for help when you need it, you will be fine. Take a deep breath, and calm down. Remember, college is a time to learn and grow. If you feel you’ve fallen on your face, wipe the dust off and try again. It’s a new year.