1. So everyone knows that you don’t get badgered to turn you homework in or go to class once you reach university, however, while ranting about independence and responsibility people tend to neglect to tell you that everything you really still informed of everything you need to know and what you have to do. It’s not really that big of a deal, just do it.

2. Even though classes are a little terrifying at first, once you really absorb your first few lectures you’re likely to come to a surprising conclusion: I did this in highschool. Say WHAT?! What I found in my classes (except chemistry) is that we were retaught a lot of stuff at first, with variable names and theorems suddenly attached. Formal definitions and so many subscripts. If only they just taught things the right way the first time…in an ideal world.

3. Time management is HARD

4. Find people to study with. Teachers and TAs are good resources when it comes to questions and extra help but so is your class. So help each other out, it reinforces concepts when you explain them to someone else so both parties get something worthwhile out of it. And its a way to get some social interaction in when you have a ton of stuff to get done.

5. It’s important to know your priorities, and learn to actually keep them. Along the same lines as time management.

6. There are going to be a million people around you who suddenly seem better than you. Try not to let it be disheartening. There are mad skills everywhere, but this is a good thing, you can learn from them, make friends and such. Always surround yourself with good people and remember you’re capable of stuff.

7. Keep on top of things. Meaning, don’t just half understand course material and then teach yourself the whole course the night before your exam. It’s doable and people do do it all the time, but its the most sucky thing ever. Just buckle down and resist those kareoke parties.

8. Buy snacks somewhere (anywhere) other than on campus vending machines.

9. Go to class.

10. Take breaks while studying to keep focused, but don’t use the “I can’t focus anyways” excuse unless you really deserve a break (after midterm week anyone?) In those cases cut yourself some slack, the rest of the time focus.

11. More on focusing: figure out what works best, places, people, music, times of day.

12. Find the good times to do laundry.

13. The transition is hard for some people, but it really isn’t that bad for lots of people too. Don’t psych yourself out. Embrace challenges, let things go, do things that make you happy and work hard.