What do you need to know about college dorm life that will make the transition a smooth one for you? Here are some tips.

1. Get organized. Your time is your own, but you have to discipline yourself to get up and get to class, eat regularly, wash your clothes and get your homework done. Mom isn’t there to remind you to do these things. Being organized can help you manage the workload. Find a system that works for you and stick with it.
2. Make friends. College is a perfect opportunity to meet as many people as you can and have amazing and inspiring discussions. Friends can also become study buddies when preparing for exams. Learn from new people and have a social life. This is especially important when it comes to your roommate. Establish college dormitory room rules, use manners, and do your best to be peaceful with your roommate.
3. Learn to balance. Social life and study time are all important in college. Make sure that you never sacrifice one for the other. School work comes first, as that’s why you’re there, but you need to have recreation too. So get out there and take advantage of the social opportunities that college life has to offer. Becoming well-rounded in your college life can help you become a well-rounded adult.
4. Get involved. College offers unique and varied organizations, clubs, interest groups, sports, religious groups, political groups and Greek organizations. Find some things that interest you and join up. You’ll meet new people who share your interests and have opportunities that you won’t find at home. Make the most of your college years by getting involved in residential life and being actively engaged.
5. Eat right. It’s tempting in college to eat junk food. You can eat whatever you want! You may feel like rebelling and having all those foods that Mom and Dad wouldn’t allow in the house. Remember that a balanced, nutritious diet can help you stay healthy, learn better and stay fit, avoiding the “Freshman Fifteen” weight gain that’s common the first year. Pizza and soda are okay in moderation, but they should not be the staple of your diet.
6. Stay out of bed during the day. A nap is okay if its really needed, but it can be tempting during Freshman year to crawl into bed and sleep during the day. If you spend too much time in bed, you’ll miss out on many opportunities you have available. Try not to study in bed either, as it can be too tempting to nod off. Get adequate sleep so you won’t always fight fatigue during the day.

7. Learn something for the heck of it. College offers classes in almost everything. Broaden your horizons by taking one recreational or elective each semester that is far outside your major. Take the class because it interests you. Read through your college catalog and choose something different. Yoga, Contract Bridge, Philosophy of Love and History of Rap Music might not be in your major, but can get you out of your comfort zone and help you find new interests. Take advantage of opportunities while you have them.