Whether you live around the corner or 1,000 miles away, the first drive up to school as a freshman seems endless.

Anxiety sets in as soon as the Binghamton University sign comes into view. Your heart starts pounding as your parents pull up to your dorm, as you see the faces that will become all too familiar over the next four years. Finally, after all of the frustrations of unpacking, your parents say goodbye. You’re alone, but we’ve all been there. Here’s a few things I learned my first year at Binghamton.

First things first: your living situation. Hopefully the dorm you find yourself in is one that you chose ‘ or at least consider manageable. Adding some pictures to your walls and carpets to your floor should help but if not ‘ hey, you’re only there for a year.

And of course, there’s your roommate. It’s been said before and it will be said again, living in the same room with someone at college is an odd thing ‘ whether you’re strangers going in or already best friends.

You might have heard horror stories from your friends at other schools about how awful the food is, but I haven’t heard too many people complain here.

When you go out on your first night, you will become acquainted with the $4 cab rides (in which you should be prepared to either sit on someone or be sat on) or the free bus. By the end of the night, you’ll have met more people than you’ll be able to remember in the morning.

The first few days before classes start are full of parties, meeting new people and adapting to an entirely different life. Homesickness might set in but don’t worry, it’ll go away. You might feel nervous about making new friends and getting out of your comfort zone but don’t worry, it’ll happen.

Keep your door open so your neighbors know you’re willing to meet people. If you came in with people you know from high school, don’t just stick to them and close yourself off to others. When you get lonely, call your parents or video chat with your friends. If you think a class is going to be way too hard, sign up for a tutor. Do whatever it takes to make you feel as comfortable as possible.

You’re going to make mistakes. Whether it’s falling for the wrong person, flunking a test or waking up in the depths of the unknown, you can’t avoid the inevitable. But last time I checked, mistakes are not synonymous with regrets.

So freshmen, throw on your best outfits and get ready to impress. Sophomores, enjoy not being freshmen anymore. Juniors, transition from campus life to houses and apartments. And seniors, indulge in your last year before the real world.

Do it up because it’s going to be a great year.