A new beginning awaits as senior students hear the bell ring for the very last time. On that warm summer afternoon, they ask their peers and themselves the big question: what’s next? Most students get ready to embark on their new journey: college.

However, the transition from high school to college is not so easy. The significant change in environment can often leave upcoming students feeling nervous and unprepared. To help navigate this shift, here are some essential ways to thrive as a new college freshman:

Get Involved Early: Getting familiar with the community is a must when arriving at college. Participating in clubs or small events helps students meet new people and better establish a social network on campus.

Be productive: While a heavy workload may be difficult, finding a personal schedule that fits just right is key to staying on task without burning out. Students should explore different routines to discover what makes them feel most productive and happy.

Utilize Resources: Students must take advantage of faculty office hours and the dorms to stay connected to their new environment. Although living with strangers in a dorm is a major change from home, making new connections provides a unique opportunity to navigate daily challenges.

Manage Personal Habits: Creating a healthy diet and sleep schedule with a social life helps provide the physical and mental energy needed to be locked in. Attending social gatherings and college parties is also a great way to de-stress and maintain emotional balance.

“Enjoy life in the early years of college; classes are still on easy mode,” says Cerritos High School alumnus Ethan Bunla, “don’t get too comfortable though, as soon as you start taking upper-level courses, you can no longer procrastinate as you did in high school.”