Step 1: move in.

Make your living space comfortable and get to know your roommates better -- you're going to be there for a while. Establish rules, set boundaries and understand each other.

Buy used books whenever possible, but make sure you buy current editions. You can get all of your text books from either the University Book Store in the Kirkhof Center, Brian's Books at the southwestern corner of the Allendale Campus, or online.

Interact with the people in and around your living area, and be sure to take part in campus events. You never know how a chance encounter has the potential to benefit you later in life.

If you spend your four years here with your nose constantly in books, then you'll probably graduate with honors, but you'll also miss some of the best parts about college. Now is your time to explore and blossom into who you are going to be for the rest of your life.