Your first year of college can be as scary as it can be exciting. Before you go, everyone prepares you for all the fun times that lie ahead, but most hold back from warning you about the hard parts. Even graduates who later admitted to me the tough times they had, never painted a full picture of the brand-new and sometimes overwhelming aspects of being a college freshman. I wrote this book to prepare you for both sides: knowing what to expect will make the fun parts more fun and the tough parts less tough. In this guide are all of the tips I wish I knew going into college; information I am wise to after four years of living, adapting and exploring a new city while being a student and getting to know myself.

I present you with plenty of tips for college freshman everywhere: expectations to have, pointers to maximize learning and getting to know your professors, self-care and balanced living advice. For Georgetown students, this read will be all that and more: what to see in Washington, D.C., Georgetown lingo, traditions and superstitions, and most importantly, my favorite places to eat!

College is an incredible learning experience. Though you will get the hang of it pretty quickly, I hope that sharing my experience may make your first few months smoother and allow you to start on the right foot.