Dear Incoming Freshman:

As a junior at this fine university, I see it as my duty to pass my abundant knowledge onto the incoming class. So, without further ado, I present you with a guide to college survival: 

• The testing center is freezing all the time, and I really mean freezing. Except for when it's not, and then then it's really not. Dress accordingly.

• It's ok to carry a color-coordinated map of campus to help you find your way. And if you do get lost it's totally fine to ask someone for directions. We were all there once.

• Unless you are one of the mutants, American Heritage will be hard. It will be ok. Just accept it.

• Chances are, you will do more random, fun, spontaneous, embarrassing things during your freshman year than the rest of your college career combined. Live it up.

• Sometimes talking with a distressed roommate or catching up on sleep is priority. Classes will be missed, and that is fine. People to help are more important than things to be done. 

• The University Accessibility Center is there for a reason. Do you have ADD? Dyslexia? Do you retain information better when you hear it instead of reading it? Go. Seriously.

• Same with university counseling. This is likely the only time in your life when you will have professional, free counselors on hand. You don't have to be contemplating suicide or in an abusive relationship to see a counselor.

• You can also talk to your professors. Seriously. Most of these people have a PH.D in their area of study, and they are more than happy to give you some unsolicited advice. Not to mention building a relationship can’t hurt when you need a letter of recommendation.

• People no longer care who you were or what you did in high school. Cheerleader? Band geek? Forget it.

• College students get discounts on everything. The RB has a free gym, and you can even sign up for free personal trainers. Sa-weet! I know that doing library research sounds like the lamest/most boring thing in the world, but you guys, take advantage of the academic journals you have access to as a student. These journals can cost big bucks after graduation, so read up while you can!

• Be nice to people. Freshman wards can have cliques, but don't get involved. 

• Cliques aside, be involved. In everything. Unless you have leprosy and are deathly contagious, say yes to every invite you get. Hold on to social desires as long as you can, before you know it your major will be getting in the way.

• Don't have a major? Don't worry, and do not pick something because you "need to have direction." If anything that will just give you extra credits in an area you don't need. Take your time with the GEs, fill up your schedule with things that sounds legitimately interesting to you, and the right path will find you.

• No one remembers the nights they got enough sleep. That being said, sometimes sleep is necessary.  

• Don't stress about roommates. You don’t have to be BFF’s, turns out. If you don’t get along, you still must be kind, but you can make other friends and live with someone else next year. And even if you are best friends, be sure to still spend some time away from each other and branch out. It’s not healthy for any relationship to be together 24/7.

• The Board. You're welcome.

• During textbook sell-back the bookstore opens the 3rd floor doors a few minutes before the others. If you're looking to get the most money for your books while avoiding the 2 hour lines that form less than a minute after the doors are opened, this is your best bet.  

• 801-422-4636. This is your new favorite thing. All BYU phone numbers start with 422, and this is the number for info. I-N-F-O - 4636, you won't forget it. I call info whenever I have a question about anything, especially if it's something I might feel like an idiot asking someone face to face, like how to declare a minor. They will tell you everything from the Jamba Juice hours to the phone number for the copyright department.

•Get involved! Seriously. BYUSA is the best. There is something for everyone! Just go to their office in the Wilk, take a tour and pick an area to serve. You will meet new friends and have a blast.

Anyone else have some advice? Feel free to add it in the comments :)

Freshman Flashback.