(Ed. note: Actually it’s Auburn, AL. Oh, here’s Allison!)

Let’s face it. College is completely different than high school. You have tests to study for, meetings to attend, notes to copy, food to… “cook”… and Mom and Dad suddenly aren’t around to make sure all of it gets done. Now, don’t panic or go crazy wondering how you will ever survive living on your own. Everyone usually makes it out just fine, and usually better for it. I’m gonna try and outline a few pointers I’ve picked up over the last few years - some that helped me get through the awkward transition phase, and others that I wish someone would have conveniently posted online for me beforehand.

1) Buy a day planner.

I never used one in high school. Thanks to my mother and her amazing ability to keep track of every family members’ weekly schedule I never had to bother keeping up with my own life. I quickly found that in college… I had to do all of that myself! It took a couple of excessively busy days for me to figure out that if I wrote down deadlines and engagements, I was less likely to forget things and overbook myself. Professors will hand out a syllabus on the first day of class. (Even though that’s usually all you’ll do, it’s still very important to be there.) On this syllabus you will find an “Exam Schedule”. COPY THIS INTO YOUR NEW DAY PLANNER. You can even color code classes/events so it makes it even easier to keep up with. Auburn has day planners just for students called “Tiger Cubs”, and they include school holidays and events as well. I think they’re, like, $5 in the University Bookstore. (Ed. note: You can check out the free online version if you’d like!)

2) Get organized.

How you do this is completely up to you, but the sooner you can get your act together the easier things will be. You can do things like getting notebooks for each of your classes. (On a side note: I recommend using 3-ring binders instead of spiral, so you can add paper and handouts easily without them getting out of order.) Also, keep your room clean… well, clean is a relative term, but stay with me. Being organized at home, especially when you study, will help out in the classroom. You’re a lot less likely to flip out when you know where everything is.

3) Relax.

Take it from me. Getting upset and stressed out over tests and meetings and grocery lists will only get you more discombobulated. Take breaks when you’re studying for long periods of time and go outside. Sunlight is good for you. Eat healthy - fast food is not always the best option. Being in a good, calm mental state will help you stay focused in the classroom. All you can do is try your hardest. If you study ahead of time (instead of waiting until the night before) and attend class, you’ll be fine.

4) Get a camera.

Take as many pictures as you can! And when your friends make fun of you for constantly taking pictures, ignore them and take some more. You’ll wish you did. These four (…or five) years will go by so quickly. You don’t believe me now, but next year you’ll be wondering where all the time went. I think one of the best ways to enjoy your time here in Auburn is to get involved. You’ve made a great choice joining the band and you will make so many amazing friends here, but definitely look in to different clubs on campus as well. (You can visit the SGA Orgs website.) We have something for everybody.

College is not something to be afraid of. It’s something to embrace and have fun with. You’re about to embark on an experience which will shape who you are for the rest of your life. This is the last leg before the “real world”, and Auburn is an amazing place to get you ready. The main thing you should remember when coming to college is this: Be responsible. Mom and Dad won’t be here to keep you on track or bail you out of sticky situations. It’s up to you now, and getting in the right mindset early on will make this transition a breeze. Luckily you guys will start the first day of school with 375 friends right there with you. So keep an open mind and get ready to have the time of your life! Preseason Camp is getting closer - - - so get ready. :-)

War Eagle!!
Allison