DO – use the buddy system. You probably haven’t done this since you learned to cross the street at age five, but as you may or may not know, it is much easier to attack an individual than a couple or a group.

DON’T – go to parties alone or go jogging by yourself in remote places, and definitely don’t wander off with strangers. If you find yourself alone on the wrong end of the quad at night, call campus security for an escort.

DO – BYOB. If you feel the need to partake of alcohol during your time in college, bring your own to ensure that what you think you’re drinking is really all you’re ingesting.

DON’T – Take an open container from someone you don’t know. This is how many girls fall victim to the notorious date-rape drug every year. If you leave your drink and come back to it, just toss it and get another. Better to waste a beer than end up unconscious.

DO – bring a designated driver. Give them your keys and ask them to cut you off when you’ve had too much to drink. Trade off amongst your group of friends so that everyone has a chance to have a good time with someone responsible looking out for them. Make sure everyone knows CPR and the location of the nearest emergency room.

DON’T – be a jerk to the DD. If you’re a belligerent drunk, you may find that no one will have your back in the future.

DO – invest in some pepper spray or mace. Tasers may look like fun, but they’re not foolproof, and the minute you stop using them, an attacker can get up and chase you. Spray them in the face and they won’t be able to see you…or breathe very well. It should stop them long enough to give you a chance to get away.

DON’T – forget it in your dorm. Keep it clipped to your key chain or cell phone so that you have it if you need it. And make sure you know how to use it so that you don’t hesitate when the time comes.

DO – enter an “ICE” (In Case of Emergency) number in your phone. If you have an accident, emergency services will look for this number to notify someone of your whereabouts.

DON’T – make it someone unreliable. You may not want your parents to find out about whatever delinquent behavior got you into your current mess, but they have your medical history, insurance information, and your best interest at heart, so you probably want them at the hospital to speak for you if you can’t speak for yourself.

Your best bet is community college. Many people feel that there is a certain stigma attached to attending one of these schools. You may worry about what your peers will think, but more and more students are looking into this option in order to combat rising costs (effectively reducing the stigma attached to attending a 2-year program). Or you might assume that it’s simply a waste of time, but the truth is, community colleges offer an equal education at far less cost. Not only is the tuition a fraction of what you would pay at state schools, they also offer all of the GE courses you would take in your first two years anyway (with the option of attaining an Associate’s Degree or other certifications). In addition, they can advise you as to which courses will transfer to state schools, universities, etc. You can even get a leg up on the competition by taking classes that will apply to your major, possibly saving you even more time and money when you get to your four-year university. The best part is, if you have not taken the SATs, or you simply don’t excel at standardized testing, you need not include the information when you apply to finish the last two years of your undergrad degree.

In fact, it is likely that only the grades you earn in community college will be considered. This means you have an extra two years to turn your bad grades good. And if you take advantage of campus resources like the learning center and subject-specific tutors, you are bound to improve on your high school grades. In addition, you can increase your odds of snagging a spot (and even a scholarship) by engaging in community service activities that you may not have had time for previously. And you have two extra years to search for grants and outside scholarships that can help you pay for a more expensive school once you get there. In short, community college can solve many problems that students are facing today, whether academic or financial (or both).

If you decide that college is really not for you after all, or you simply can’t face four more years of school, you may also want to consider vocational instruction or another short-term certification program to increase your job prospects. If, however, you are set on attending college but didn’t quite make the short list, look into the many advantages offered by spending your first two years at a local community college. You will definitely spend less money, and you’re giving yourself a second chance to attend the school of your choice.

Going Greek can be a lot of fun, but it’s also a huge commitment. During pledge week, you will visit several houses and then you will receive bids (meaning the house has accepted you), at which point you must choose one, usually committing to one year at the house before you can pledge a different fraternity or sorority (although you are free to leave at any time). Once you have committed, you will go through a “hell week” that generally includes some sort of good natured “hazing” (for lack of a better term) usually consisting of wearing silly outfits, participating in pranks, and becoming familiar with your house and your new brothers or sisters. At the end of the week, you’re in. You move into the house and commence to partake in a range of social activities designed to introduce you to others (mixers, BBQs, and so on) and benefit the larger community (charitable work, fundraisers, etc.). The best thing about pledging and joining the Greek system is that you will have an instant group of companions, several mentors, and a lifelong network for the future.

The drawbacks, however, can be equally compelling. There is a time commitment involved, as you will be expected to participate in events and contribute both in the house (chores) and during community service, fundraisers, or outreach, for which Greek houses are well known (and often pursue competitively). In addition, most houses have a mandatory residence requirement for new members, so if you don’t get along with your housemates, you may have to shut up and live with it or quit altogether. You may also face a certain amount of social expectations from a group that is known for partying and physical appearance. This can put a lot of pressure on a new student who is also trying to contend with focusing on their studies and even holding down a job.

In the long run, if you’re interested in pledging, you can benefit from doing a little homework. Certain organizations are going to offer what you want, while others will fall short, so find out which houses embody the moral values, academic sensibilities, and charitable goals you desire. Then consider, as you visit, which houses seem the most comfortable and which occupants make you feel the most welcome. You’ll find that by using your heart and your mind, you can enter a situation that offers both social rewards and intellectual and emotional fulfillment. Some houses will help you while others will only be a hindrance. So take your time and choose the one that is right for you. After all, you’re the one who has to live with the decision.

The simple answer is yes. To begin with, your campus might have rules regarding living arrangements for new students, so you’d better find out if there is a mandatory dorm habitation period before you go sign a lease on that uptown apartment. After that, you need to consider what you really get out of each option. Dorms offer not only an instant social life (roommate, planned activities to facilitate meeting other students), but also supervision. This doesn’t sound too sexy, but when you’re up in the middle of the night with a raging fever, it’s nice to have an RA on hand to dole out some aspirin and an ice bucket or help you get to the hospital. Your parents may also feel a lot better knowing that you’re within arm’s reach of help if you need it. The downside is that you’re pretty much prone to the whims of other students, who may exhibit limited self-control when it comes to noise levels, appropriate hours of activity, and personal hygiene. You are also stuck with whatever food is provided on campus since your “kitchen” is a mini-fridge and a microwave. In short, dorms can offer a social network and a safety net.

Off-campus housing, on the other hand, also has its perks. You can enjoy a quiet environment in which to live, work, and study. It will be as clean or as dirty as you desire since the onus is on you to attend to your living space. You will have all the privacy you need (unless you have roommates) and you can cook whenever and whatever you want. You will also be alone, which can be both sad and scary at times. You can’t walk into the hall on Friday night and find a party or concert to attend (or even a random freshman to see a movie with). If you want to know where Albert Hall is, or if Health Services offers immunizations, you won’t have an RA handy to ask. You will also have the added annoyance of commuting to campus. Even if you’re only a few blocks away, it means you’ll have to miss out on those few extra minutes of sleep to make sure you get to class on time.

So there are certainly pluses and minuses to each equation, but while your choice of living space can impact your schoolwork, it depends on your personality to some degree. If you are a social butterfly who can’t turn down an invitation to a mixer, you may have more academic success in a less active setting. If you are already fairly studious but have a hard time making friends, the dorms may offer you the opportunity for companionship that you crave. In any case, it’s probably easier to start in the dorms and then move off-campus, rather than the other way around. Having your own place is a big responsibility, but nothing will make you more willing to tackle an adult living situation than a roommate who leaves trash everywhere or a thousand screaming freshman instigating a naked run at three in the morning.

1. Make a schedule. This sounds absurdly simple, but in truth, it can mean the difference between success and failure in college. Of course, you have a class schedule already, and it probably involves rising at the crack of noon. However, afternoon classes do not mean you can stay out until dawn and sleep all morning. Make sure you get to bed at a decent hour during the week, just like you would at home, and save the partying for the weekends. That way, you’ll have the morning hours free for study (you’ll be the most productive then anyway) and you can still spend your evenings with friends.

2. Limit activities, at least initially. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the idea of joining every club on campus. You want to participate and meet people and there’s nothing wrong with that. However, you need to be wary of stretching yourself too thin and burning out, so limit yourself to one or two activities until you get a handle on your course-load.

3. Eat right and exercise. This is, in fact, the very last thing on your mind. But staying healthy can make a huge difference when it comes to happiness and productivity. If you ingest nothing but Cheetos and margaritas, you’re going to notice some drastic changes, both physically and mentally. Bad eating habits and lack of exercise can lead to weight gain and lethargy, not to mention fatigue, irritability, and depression. You’re in your prime! Fuel your body with fruits, veggies, complex carbs, and lean meats and make some time to bike around campus or play some folf with friends. Your body and mind will reward you with increased energy and focus.

4. Don’t stress. Students are quick to succumb to stress and anxiety, especially when finals hit, but try to relax. All you’re going to do is psyche yourself out, stay up all night, and perform poorly the next day. It’s like a self-fulfilling prophecy. Instead, do a little yoga or see if your campus is one of the many that offers discount massage services. Even taking a nap in the sun can mellow you out. Then return to your studies in the right mindset to learn. Determination and confidence are much better tools than nervousness and worry.

5. Call home. Between hormones, sudden freedom, and a desire to experiment, college can get a little crazy, so ring mom and dad once in awhile to gain a little perspective. Remember that there are people who love you and have your best interest at heart (plus, they’ve been there and often have great advice to offer if you just ask). Don’t allow yourself to get mired down in the demands of professors and the drama of friends. College is a time for hard work, but it’s also a time for fun. As long as you keep in mind that it’s just one more step in your life, a transitory period that will soon be over, you can keep a balance, stay focused, and still have a great time.