So you've done it, you've made it to college. Now what? Attending lectures and studying for exams is only half the battle when it comes to having a successful first year at college. There are a number of other aspects of life that freshmen must keep in mind in order to make the most of their year.

Take advantage of the outgoing nature of the first few weeks

It's always easier to make friends when everybody's the "new kid." Introduce yourself to lots of different people - in your classes, your dorms, at your job - and you'll soon find people you really connect with. Join a team or a club in order to find more students who have some of the same interests that you do.

Budget, Budget, Budget

Even if you go to a school in the middle of nowhere where it seems like there's nothing to do, there will be some costs that you will incur as the semester progresses, such as food, activities, and sports games. Keeping a budget from the get-go keeps you aware of where your money is going, and prevents you from discovering mid-semester that you've already run out of funds. You also have to learn to budget your time. Make a schedule that includes your classes, any recurring activities, and your study times, until you learn how to keep track of your spare time without one - this is a lot harder than most college students realize.

Get some sleep!

Why pay thousands of dollars to sleep in your lectures? It may be your prerogative, but that's both a waste of your time and your money. Sleeping will help you feel better, look better, and study better. All-nighters feel awful, and take so long because you're always minutes from falling sleep and are robbed of your ability to concentrate. Use that schedule to help you make sure you get more than a few hours of sleep every night.