Everything you wanted to know, but your parents and teachers haven’t told you. Here are 21 little-known tips and facts about fitting in at college.

1. The person you were in high school doesn’t have to be who you are in college. In college, you can be whoever you want to be.
– Madison Quevillon, Arkansas State University – Mountain Home

2. The best thing you can do for your relationship with your parents as you go off to college is to go far away enough to miss them–that way, you can value the limited time you do get to be with them.
– Patrick Templeton, University of Arkansas

3. Travel. Whether it’s a quick road trip or studying abroad, these are your few years to be completely free from too much responsibility in life.
– Sara Krimm, Arkansas State University

4. Don’t buy your books until you know you’re actually going to use them, and then buy them online.
– Jessica Matthews, University of Central Arkansas

5. You will get homesick … It’s a normal feeling because you are away from your comfort zone. Just realize that college is a growing experience and you will make it through.
– Marian McPherson, Philander Smith College

6. Even just as a freshman, college students should visit their campus career center or talk to a career counselor or academic advisor. These are amazing resources that’ll help you get internships and after-college jobs.
– Lillian Hastings, Lyon College

7. Go by your professors’ offices during office hours and ask any questions about the material. You’re paying for their office hours, so you might as well use them. Plus, these office hours are one of the best resources you have as a student.
– Kaleb Smithson, University of Central Arkansas

8. Don’t buy a bunch of school supplies for classes. You don’t need them! All you need is something to write with and something to write on.
– Miranda McKee, Arkansas State University – Mountain Home

9. It’s OK to disagree with your professors as long as you can explain why. College is the time to ask questions and seek answers.
– Jon Pucik, Williams Baptist College

10. Dive in. Don’t be scared to jump in the first few weeks of college and get involved. What you do during your first semester really sets the tone for your college experience. Don’t plan on running home those first couple of weekends.
– John Jacob Lively, Ouachita Baptist University

11. Don’t come to class looking like a slob. Professors are more likely to give you the benefit of the doubt when you appear professional or respectable.
– Clint Fullen, University of Arkansas

12. Don’t screw up your first semester. The number of freshmen who drop out after just one semester is staggering. To put it simply: Don’t play the Wii with your friends when you have a test the next day that you need to be studying for.
– Jon Pucik, Williams Baptist College

13. Take some fun classes that have nothing to do with your major, like ballroom dance. You won’t regret it.
– Jessica Matthews, University of Central Arkansas

14. Going away to school is neat because it makes you meet new people and try new things.
– Maria Biancamano, Arkansas State University

15. Double-check your academic advisors! They sometimes make mistakes, but it’s your responsibility to make sure they get it right.
– Sylvia Tran, University of Arkansas

16. Online courses are not always “easy A” classes. They take a lot of motivation since you’re not going to class every other day to be reminded to do the work and to study.
– Taylor Monticelli, University of Central Arkansas

17. Plan to do something meaningful each summer you’re in college. Plan to study abroad, do an internship or volunteer each summer. Try to avoid sitting at home or working a part-time job that doesn’t directly add to the experience needed for your future career.
– Mirelle Pierini, University of Arkansas

18. You don’t actually have to have your whole future or even your major figured out as a freshman. You don’t have to have it figured out as a sophomore either. But by junior year, you may want to start figuring it out.
– Cassandra Andrus, Arkansas Tech University

19. Check your student email often. Instructors can sometimes give last-minute assignments or instructions, and it’s up to you to be responsible.
– Becca Jones, University of Arkansas Community College – Morrilton   

20. The biggest thing you can do to get the most out of college is to show up. The best way you’re going to learn is to be there.
– Kaleb Smithson, University of Central Arkansas

21. Never live with your best friend.
– Jessica Matthews, University of Central Arkansas