Tip #6-Make use of breaks

The community college in my district offers abbreviated "interim" classes in between its fall and spring semesters, spring and summer semesters and summer and fall semesters. These classes only last four or five weeks and can sometimes be taken completely online. I had my wisdom teeth pulled during my first winter break of college and the dates matched up perfectly to take an online history class while I was home in bed. The class was easy and it was over in four short weeks instead of costing me an entire semester of pain. I would highly recommend it.

Tip #5-Do Your Research

I know I know, the last thing a high school senior wants to do is more research and/or college planning for the years ahead. However, it may pay off to look into things ahead of time. If you are fortunate enough to know or at least have an idea of what you want to major in, then by all means go meet with the head of the department you plan to be in for the next four years of your life. Come with whatever questions you might have, from whether you will be able to fit in studying abroad, to the types of classes you will be taking. If you aren't doing anything in your final summer before college then now is THE perfect time to get some of your upcoming general education requirements over with, by signing up at your local community college. The credits will almost always transfer and it will save you time and money when you get to college-aka you won't have to sit through Rocks for Jocks (aka Geology) with 500 other bored freshmen.

Tip #4-Get Great Food

As at any school, free food is available almost everywhere: lectures, club meetings, events, etc, especially during the first few weeks of the year. However, if you are in the mood for a steak dinner or a meal of comparable quality, instead of pizza, sandwiches or fried chicken look into joining the University Club (that is if you attend a university, and your university has one of these). The University Club at my school has pre-football game brunch buffets, dinners on weekend nights, and sent a monthly newsletter all for one annual payment of $75. While this will be on the more expensive side in comparison with a delivery pizza, it's fun to dress up and fine dine every once in a while. Added bonus--a one night break from campus cafeteria food!

Tip #3-Pre-Orientation

If you are lucky enough to attend a school that offers "pre-orientation" activities, then take advantage of them! These activities can include everything from going on a camping trip to volunteering somewhere with a group of other incoming freshmen. These trips give participants the chance to bond with fellow freshmen before regular orientation begins, this way students arrive on campus with a network of friends, which ameliorates at least a bit of the stress of adjusting to this new stage of life.

Tip #2-Computers

Before you invest in a computer-whether it be a portable laptop or a desktop with a lot of memory, make sure to check out the options available from your school. Many schools offer discounts and/or special computer and software packages perfect for incoming freshmen. These deals are usually better than the ones available from the Apple store for example. My freshman "bundle" included-my 15 inch MacBook Pro, a laptop lock, a t-shirt from the school's tech department, a laptop messenger bag embroidered with my school's name, a thumb-drive, a printer/scanner/copier, a 32 gigabyte iPod Touch, a usb-port hub, and the Microsoft Office Suite.

Tip #1-Get a Cell Phone!

If you happen to be one of the few graduating seniors without a cell phone, now is the time to buy one! A cell phone is necessary for everything from communicating with friends and family, to avoiding awkward elevator situations-and everything in between. You can check your email, the weather, movie times, listen to music, and of course text, all from your tiny device.