Thinking back on my time as a freshman, it's really unbelievable that it is already done. I still remember the first day I walked into my dorm room and thought "Wow, I'm supposed to live in this tiny place?" Although that seemed a bit crazy (along with many, many other things), it truly helped me grow as a person in numerous ways. Your high school may say they prepared you well, and though they have in some ways, college courses are by no means the same as the ones we were once so fond of. With a more demanding course load and even more independence, it is on you to push yourself to do the best you can in class. Something I found as a surprise was that most professors won't take attendance seriously because it is up to you to go to class and learn the materials. This makes it much harder to motivate for classes but if you don't go, you won't learn, and if you don't learn you won't graduate. So go to class. Also something I would say is take any random, zany classes you may find. I took Planetary Geology last semester (with the great Dr. Merck) and it turned out to be my most interesting class. I learned so many things that I never knew about and it was really cool. Classes become so much easier once you're interested in them as well. I also recommend going to class reviews and study sessions as well as engaging in class. By doing so, your professors will note that you care about the class and in turn it will be better for you. Creating relationships with your professors and TAs is very important as they are the people who will write your recommendations as well as the people who will guide you through the courses. It may be hard to break down the wall between student and teacher depending on who the professor is, but the harder you try, the more they will notice. More importantly, however, is your connections with the students around you. These people will truly make life so much easier, whether it's just being a friend to hangout with, do work with, or talk to if you have any problems you need to get off your chest. They will make the adjustment much easier overall. It'll be hard at first because this place will seem so big, but trust me, they want to make friends just as bad as you, so make sure to put yourself out there and in uncomfortable situations. We grow the most in them. Something that I was least prepared for was the everyday balance between school, friends, sleep, exercise, etc. You will be able to do everything you want to, but always put school first. The next four years is the time for you to figure out how to live (almost) on your own. No parents telling you what to do or when to do it, it is really all on you. So do not hesitate or falter while going through the days. I'd recommend planning your days out around classes and/or anything you have to do. There will be time for everything as long as you plan well.