At the beginning of a new semester students tend to make grand plans for themselves and then quickly drop them after a week or two, tops. It’s easy to let our goals slip by, especially if we’re new to the university or college in general. They say experience is the best teacher, so here are some lessons from someone who has already made these mistakes.

1. Watch the clock and plan ahead. If you’re not early, you’re late. Teachers like you to be ready to rock ‘n’ roll by the time class starts. They don’t like you walking in, right when class is about to begin. Punctuality is a sign of respect, and take it from me: respect the man or woman in charge of your final grade.
2. Avoid skipping class(es) at all costs. Besides the fact, absences are a sign of disrespect skipping class makes it difficult to catch up later. Teachers are there for a reason—to teach. Take advantage of that and get your money’s worth.
3. Never be afraid to ask for help. This applies to things both inside and outside of the classroom. There is no embarrassment in asking your professor for help. I learned early on that I would much rather ask “stupid” questions about algorithms or Spanish conjugations than earn a bad grade.
4. Know when to unplug. Airplane mode should have been called study mode, because that is what it’s best for. Each text message or Snapchat received is distracting whether or not we even reply, so turn on airplane mode and all those messages will be there when it’s time for a study break. This handy little trick ensures there’s no temptation to tweet Becky back or watch cats playing the piano.
5. Don’t go to a party alone. If you plan on drinking (which you probably will), make sure you have a safe way to get home whether it is with a designated driver or a taxi.
6. Join an organization. MSU has a variety of organizations for any fancy including sororities, fraternities, honor societies, religious groups or non-religious groups. There is no shortage of diversity on campus. Everyone can find a place to fit in.
7. Learn how to budget. Don’t spend all of your money at the bar or in the mall. Figure out how to pay bills, eat dinner and put a little into savings.
8. Purchase a Hulu or Netflix subscription for some cheap entertainment. I love Law & Order: SVU, Bones and of course The Vampire Diaries, but I also love studying, which means missing my favorite shows. With these streaming services I can catch up at my own convenience.
9. Don’t stress about the unknown. Plans, people and majors change. Nothing in life is set in stone and I didn’t even learn that until this summer. Pursue your passion, be around people that bring out the best in you, and don’t stress over anything in the past.
10. Go out and see the world while you’re still young. Once you graduate, you either jump into a career or family, continue your schooling or sometimes a combination of all three. It becomes significantly more difficult to visit exotic locations or skydive.