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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Manhattan chapter.

IF I SURVIVED YOU CAN!!!!! 

The moment I landed in New York City after summer break was the best feeling. Something about the city just makes you feel unstoppable. It’s great to be back to such an exciting lifestyle, but trying to get rid of all the summer habits can be a bit tricky. So here’s a list on how I survived my first week of college.

1. You Have To Be Willing To Be Back:

I know so many people who are already in a bad mood the moment they step right back on campus. But unfortunately, that’s not going to help you get through the first week if you already have a bad attitude. I know we are all stressed about having to move in all our things in a dorm room and start classes the next day, but I promise you can get through it. Having a good attitude and positive vibes will make the process so much better. If you find it hard to be positive sometimes, just write a list of the reasons why you’re here to remind yourself you’re here for a good reason. It’s always nice to look at life in a positive lens because you’re able to conquer whatever you put your mind to. With positive vibes, the next four years of college will be a breeze.

2. Be Prepared:

Unfortunately, I’ve had to learn the hard way. Not being prepared is not the way to go. It adds so much extra stress that you don’t need, so some advice is just planning ahead. You will find things in your life will go so much smoother. If you’re new on campus, try leaving ten minutes earlier than you would normally to find out where your classes are. The last thing you want to do is show up on the first day of class and everyone is already there staring into your soul as soon as you walk in. Is that awkward or nah?!  I have been a victim of this plenty of times. Get enough sleep the night before–you never want to be exhausted the first week back. Trust me, it will throw off your whole schedule. If you get a good night sleep, you’ll be in a good mood the next morning. It makes you feel more prepared because you’re not too exhausted to forget anything. You’re just ready to rule the world.

3. Reconnect With Friends:

There’s nothing more exciting about going back to campus than reconnecting with all your friends. They say you meet your life long friends in college and I totally agree. If you are a freshman and you haven’t made that many friends, don’t worry you are not alone. It takes time to build friendship sometimes–especially strong ones. My first semester of college was not the smoothest. I barely knew anyone coming across the country. Scratch that, I knew no one. I had to adapt to a different lifestyle. Joining clubs, athletic teams, or even going to social events can expose you to so many wonderful people. Joining a sorority last semester was one of the best decisions I’ve made in college. The fact that I get to build strong relationships with women who I can now call my sisters is a good feeling. Reconnecting with friends or even making friends in college is a must. Even if you’re a freshman and it’s your first week of college, find one person that you can sit in Locke’s with or any dining hall and just get to know each other.

4. Just Have Fun: 

It’s the first week of college. There are probably a lot of events going on in your campus to make you feel at home. Let’s be honest: it will be your home for the next four years. Go to events, visit the city with friends, and if you don’t have a picnic. The last thing you want to do in the first week is stress because you have all year to do that. Have fun, but, of course, not too much fun and just live the moment.

5. Take All This Advice And Apply It To The Whole Year:

I know this was a piece on how to survive your first week of college, but if you take all this advice and apply it to the whole school year, you will survive all four years of college. Certainly, an amazing feeling. You all have it in you. You can achieve whatever you’re passionate about and reach for the stars. In saying so, I know you all will survive your first week of college.

XOXO, Muks