Congratulations to the Class of 2016. You have or will have earned your high school diploma and were accepted to your school or job of choice. Now, this summer will have a joyful-sorrow feel to it.

As the days become longer and the countdown until your departure from Vicksburg begins, each day will encompass adventure and one last hoorah before adulthood starts.

I’d like to provide the incoming freshmen a few pointers on adjusting to life on campus from my six years spent in undergrad.

Freshman year I became distracted with the amenities of my university and being on my own. I lacked the self-discipline to put academics ahead of parties and social gatherings, and having my own money gave me the freedom to shop and buy unnecessary things on a whim.

By the time finals wrapped up in May, my GPA fell below the requirement to sustain financial aid.

I eventually ironed out my priorities and graduated the University of Alabama with pride.

Relationships can definitely sidetrack freshmen.

Whether students try to maintain a long-distance relationship or meet someone new, remember that school is the main priority. If the person you’re interested in isn’t pushing or helping you study, and isn’t doing particularly well in their classes, they’ll only become a hindrance in the most important year of college.

Don’t be afraid to make friends with people who are different than those you knew in high school.

The most beautiful thing about college is the new personalities you’ll meet and the commonalities they share. Get to know the students in your building, major and classes, and step out of your shell. There’s always a group with similar interests as you.

The party that’s supposed to be “the biggest one of the year” is just one of many with that distinction.

Don’t feel obligated to go because more than likely you didn’t miss anything that won’t happen later in the semester. I’m not advising you to not have fun and enjoy parties, but I am saying none of them are more important than your future.

The syllabus your professor hands out on the first day of class is your best friend. It usually outlines the semester and gives you due dates for assignments, projects and exams. If you reference the syllabus frequently, you should be on top of your classwork all semester. However, college is hard. Don’t beat yourself up if the material doesn’t come natural to you.

Finally, you’re going to, at some point, be hungry or short on money. But that’s the best part of the entire year and bonding with other students about the lack of food can build everlasting friendships.