The first year of college can be both exciting and scary. Here are some tips to help you prepare for – and be successful during – the first year of your new educational adventure.

1. Make Friends

One of the great things about going to college is all of the new people you are going to meet. You have an opportunity to create friendships that may last a lifetime. Campus events, clubs, classes, dorms, Facebook, and pretty much any other organized activity or social media group you can think of are great ways to connect with people. The important part about making friends and being successful is connecting with people who are driven to succeed. The people you surround yourself with in college will impact many aspects of your college experience.

Resource Tip: Check out what your university has to offer when it comes to campus life. Most colleges offer specific ways for you to become involved and connect with others. This can also help with feeling connected to your school and increase your likelihood of success.

Tip for Mom and Dad: Move-in day is a great opportunity for your first-time college student to meet new people. Encourage them to venture off for a few minutes while you help set things up or sign up for a new student activity later in the day.

2. Stay Busy

One great byproduct of staying busy is time management. Learning to manage your time with your newfound freedom can often be a challenge for first-time college students. It is important to set aside time to focus on your studies. Having a part-time job is also a great way to help you get better at time management (as well as to put a little extra money in your pocket). Need help finding a job or managing your study time? Use campus resources such as career services and the student services departments. These are great places to connect with people who can help.

Resource Tip: Career services is a great place to start when looking for a part-time job. They can help with everything from writing a résumé to helping you find local employment opportunities.

Tip for Mom and Dad: You may have to let go on this one and allow your child to set his or her schedule. Encourage him or her to seek out positive ways to stay busy and get involved on campus. Be there to assist if your college student needs help or becomes stressed.

3. Defend Your Major (or lack thereof)

“What’s your major?” Admit it, you’ve been asked. For new students, this will not change once you arrive on campus. And if you happen to go to a school that allows you to attend undeclared, you may feel like you are the oddball because you have yet to choose. Guess what? It’s OK. If you have yet to decide on a direction, take the opportunity to explore your options. Choose electives that apply to a wide variety of programs and give you the opportunity to see what interests you. In a world so focused on instant gratification and quick decision-making, this is one area that it is OK to wait on. When you do declare a major, whether in the beginning or later on, keep your career goals in mind. This will help you stay focused on graduation.

Resource Tip: Use your advisor to help pick classes, explore potential career options and majors, and help make the most of your academic journey. Academic advisors are there to help, and it all starts with simply asking for the help you need.

Tip for Mom and Dad: It’s OK to offer advice. Support your kid’s decision and be there to guide them through the processes. Knowing what resources are available through the university can also help if you have questions about how to support your child.

4. Celebrate the Successes

You earned it! In the first year of college there is never a shortage of opportunities for success. Finding your lecture hall, meeting a new classmate, scoring well on an exam – all great reasons to celebrate. Take opportunities to reward yourself for your hard work. Don’t forget to set aside some time to relax, because taking care of yourself can help you stay focused and energized.

Resource Tip: Setting goals is a great way to stay focused and measure success. Meet with your instructors and collaborate on specific goals you have for the class. Getting to know each instructor will also help you stay invested and connected.

Tip for Mom and Dad: Use phone calls, text messages, and drop-in weekends as a chance to celebrate and recognize success, too! A little recognition can go a long way.