For anyone, transitioning from high school to college is a huge step in life. Not only are the academics more difficult and strenuous, but it is a complete lifestyle change in many ways. Living on your own, doing your own laundry, and making your own decisions can be overwhelming at first. To those that are about to embark on this wild but rewarding journey, fear not! This very article will literally save your life.

Surviving life in the dorms is no walk in the park, but rather an uphill battle that only you can conquer. Alumna Tony Gulotta (’14), a sophomore at UW-Madison, advises incoming freshmen to “Try to get out of your room during the first couple weeks and meet some new people! Everyone makes most of their friends early on, so get involved.”

Everyone is in the same boat as you. Everyone is nervous, a bit anxious, and let’s face it; quite scared of what is to become of the next four years of their lives. So make it easy for yourself and for everyone around you by being open and talking, socializing and stepping out of your comfort zone. Shying away from new people will only make it harder for you to settle in later.

Alumna Nikita Sood (‘14), a sophomore at University of Pennsylvania, agrees with Gulotta: “There’s no other time in your life where you’re going to be living with all of your best friends, so make the most of it. Have sleepovers, bond over dorm horror stories, and fit memories into every nook and cranny you can.”

Also, always come prepared! You can never bring too much of anything to college. Come stocked with school supplies, bug repellents, and everyday items that you may not consider bringing. Keep in mind that you will be living there, and that residence hall is now your home. Gulotta was grateful to have a mini-stapler and a three-hole punch by his side. Sood would recommend bringing a six cube shelf system from Target that offers plenty of storage and saves room, too.

Gulotta added, “Sometimes you’ll get really annoyed with your dorm mates and won’t be able to get away from them since you live in the same building. Establish your room as a sanctuary where you can get away.”