Top 10 Mistakes College Freshmen Make

We all know that in college your parents aren't there making sure you get ready. A lot of times there's that one kid who doesn't brush his teeth, only takes two or three showers a week, and barely uses deodorant. Nobody wants to be around that guy, and nobody wants to be their roommate.

It shouldn't have to be said, but please practice good hygiene. It's not that complicated. Your roommate will thank you, and people will actually want to be around you. Just don't be that guy.

I know you're tempted to throw away that syllabus your professor gave you on the first day of class and not give it any thought, but I'm here to tell you: don't do that. Your syllabus is literally your best friend.

Usually, it tells you contact information for your professor and their office hours. It lists the grade breakdown and usually has a schedule and all the due dates for the semester. When you say, "You never said when it was due," most professors will say, "Yes, I did. It's on the syllabus." If you need a textbook, the syllabus will tell you that.

They say time flies, and that saying is absolutely true. I remember moving into the dorms my freshman year like it was yesterday. The years go by in a blur. Enjoy college life while you can! Some of my best memories are hanging out with friends at basketball and football games. Plus, you're bound to get a bunch of free stuff over the course of your four years in college.

Doing laundry in college sucks. Usually, you have four washers and four dryers for about 100 people, and half of them don't know how to do it. You don't realize how clueless people are until it comes to laundry. It's not rocket science. Practice over the summer at home if you must. Just don't be that person who has no clue how to do laundry and then never does it. All your clothes will smell after a week and a half.

Also, PSA: please set an alarm to get your laundry. Nothing is more annoying than other people leaving their clothes in the laundry room for literal hours. Don't be that person either.

Whatever you do, do not schedule 8 AM classes. Just because you did it in high school doesn't mean you can do it in college. You're not as disciplined on your own as you might think. Trust me, do not do this to yourself. You will hate it the entire time. Do a 9 AM instead. That's a bit more manageable in my opinion.

It's scary living with someone you've literally never met before, and it's important to set boundaries early on. This'll be so much better when you get into an argument because it will happen at some point.

It's a bad habit to get into. The school won't care if you skip because you're already paying them, but do it too much and you'll fail the class. Don't be that person.

There's nothing worse than moving in like you're taking your whole room with you. I promise your dorm isn't that big. No need to bring a couch because it won't fit. You'll get a bed, desk, and dresser, and that's really all you have room for.

Also, check the packing list because you don't want to bring a toaster or space heater and have it get confiscated for being a fire hazard. One last thing: don't go overboard with decorations. This is more of a girl problem than a guy problem, but still, you don't need more than a poster or two, maybe a picture or two if you want, but don't overdo the decorations.

College is about getting out, exploring, and finding out who you are. Your dorm is literally only built for sleeping and taking care of yourself. Otherwise, there's no reason to stay in your dorm all the time. Go outside, explore campus, make new friends. That's what college is all about!

Go enjoy it while you can because you'll only be there for four years.

Unless you're in STEM or planning to go to medical or law school, then you have to care. Otherwise, don't worry about it too much. That doesn't mean you should slack off, either - find a balance.

College is supposed to be fun. Don't let academics consume your life. That's what I'm saying here.

I know what you're thinking: it's August when you move in, so why bring a winter coat and gloves? Well, winter will come faster than you think, and unless you live within two hours, you're not going home that often. It's better to bring them and be prepared than to struggle in early November.

The same goes for an umbrella. You don't want to show up to class completely drenched because you don't have a car and have to walk across campus in monsoon-like rain. Just be prepared for inclement weather because professors usually won't cancel class unless the school itself cancels for the day. So, don't expect a snow day.

It's okay to ask for help. People are there to support you and help you find your way! If you need anything at all, from a resume check, essay help, math help, or just someone to talk to, chances are those resources are there and most will be available for free.

Nobody cares if you were a 4.0 student and got a record high ACT or SAT score. Nobody cares that you won a State Championship. Just a general rule.

I promise you nobody cares about your high school experience anymore. This is college now. Let your high school self go. Also, don't wear your high school gear. Nobody does that, and nobody cares you were a three-time state champion in football, had an undefeated season in basketball, and your baseball team made it to state only to get third place.

What happened in high school stays in high school.

If you live close, I know the temptation is very real. You're homesick because you've never been on your own this long before, and you're already stressed. But don't make it a weekly thing. Once a month if you must, but you should be having fun with your college friends. Stay on campus, go to the football or basketball game, get involved, do something!

Don't go home unless it's an emergency or a holiday weekend. Gas is expensive, so don't waste it if you don't have to.

This is a typical freshman move. Once you're in college, it's time to be responsible and grow up a little bit. You should know how to do your own laundry. It's not that difficult to go get your clothes. Set a timer if you must, just don't be that person who leaves their clothes in the laundry room for hours at a time.

This isn't something you can just wait around on. Usually, the most popular professors and times fill up fast. So if you want to avoid 8 AM classes or staying an extra semester, stay on top of this.

The Freshman 15 is real. Just cutting out fast food, or at least limiting it, and limiting your intake at the dining hall to just one plate per meal will go a long way. Make sure to eat fruits and vegetables as well. It'll make a big difference.

This is why it's important to go to orientations or, worst case scenario, map out your schedule the day before. You can literally use Snapchat maps for this. Worst case scenario, go early and ask an upperclassman. They were once in your shoes too.