Between moving into dorms and maneuvering a new city, debating what clubs to join, and starting your first full semester, stepping into your freshman year in college can be quite an overwhelming experience.

While this transition period can be incredibly stressful for many, there are many tips and tricks for making sure that your first year here at Colorado Mesa University (CMU) goes smoothly and successfully.

Starting with the obvious: attending class, doing assignments and carving out time to study is the most important thing any student can do to succeed.

With that out of the way, when it comes to asking for clarification and help on assignments. Attending your professor’s office hours and asking questions when you have them is a great start.

If you feel intimidated by your professors, there is an abundance of other resources on campus. You can get free tutoring at CMU’s Tutorial Learning Center and Writing Center in Houston Hall and reach out to peers that are in your class.

While you have heard this innumerable times, be a part of something! One of the biggest mistakes a student can make is not putting themselves out into the campus community.

By joining clubs, you can make friends, build connections with professors and other professionals, and above everything else, you often can have fun while pursuing something that interests you!

While my advice so far has focused on adding things to your schedule and making the most of your time, there is also much to be said about biting off more than you can chew.

Sometimes, with everything on your plate, you will recognize that you need to take a step back.

It may take time to strike a balance, but realize that if you feel yourself burning out, you may want to evaluate which activities are benefiting you and which ones may be worth taking a break from.

My final piece of advice to you, would be to have fun. While classes are, of course, the priority, take time to explore your interests and enjoy your time here.

Your degree, schedules and responsibilities may feel overwhelming at times, but find the things that make your time worth it.

Take a class on something that interests you, go to a random campus event that you saw on the Stall Street Journal, talk to people around you and do not be afraid to put yourself into new situations.

While the college experience, especially in your freshman year, can be overwhelming and stressful, there are things that make the load lighter and more enjoyable throughout.

Find the people and the things that keep you afloat and you will find that not only will you survive your freshman year, but you will thrive.