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It's the first day of school. But, this time around, instead of another dreadful year of high school, you're headed to your dream college. You've spent all summer working hard, you've packed every item you own into five suitcases, and you think you're ready for just about any challenge thrown at you. Think again.

Every year, thousands of students go off to college unprepared. But, rather than be one of the unlucky, listen up to the advice of some college pros.

Get Professional Help
Just how important are those talks with an academic advisor or counselor?

Take it from Amelia Iribarren, a student at Oxnard College (Oxnard, CA): "Before I went to college, I wish I would have known all of my options. It would have made me realize that I didn't need to be fully decided on a major -- something that I stressed a lot about! Talk with your advisor and make sure that you explore all of your options before settling on one field of study. Don't feel overwhelmed, there are a lot of people who can help you!"

Be Aggressive
As frustrating as it can be to pick only one major, it can be even more maddening not to get the classes that you want or need. Many universities have trouble with over-enrollment and packed classrooms. But, says James Pashley, a student at Moorpark College (Moorpark, CA), don't let that discourage you. "Just remember, there is no such thing as a 'closed class.'"

Cindy Bear, a student at St. Mary's College (Morago, CA), agrees: "Don't let your professors intimidate you. Chances are you can get the class you want."

Be persistent and show interest in the class -- even if you are told that there is no room available. Students often drop classes a week or two into the semester, leaving open spots for students anxious to take the course. If you are dead set on getting in, attend each session anyway and take notes as if you were a registered student. You'll wish you had if you are finally accepted, but find yourself three weeks behind the rest of the class!

Go Club Crazy
In high school, extracurricular activities were often what kept you going throughout the day. Knowing that there would be an exciting game, a charity event, or a newspaper to put to press later, helped make the long hours of pop quizzes and homework go by a little quicker. The same holds true at college.

Robert Donahue, a recent graduate of Claremont McKenna College (Claremont, CA), looks back at his four years: "My advice for college students is to get involved in as many programs you feel you might be interested in. The whole point of college is to learn -- about the world and about yourself. The opportunities are limitless, and the only way you're going to enjoy yourself is if you participate. Don't leave school not having done the things you would've liked to do."

Learn Roomie Etiquette
Once you've conquered the world of academics and opportunities, you're ready to settle in at home. Most students comment that living in a dorm was one of the most unique experiences they've ever had. A dorm room is a very hard place to define. It's a bedroom, a living room, a study hall, and a space to let off steam -- all in one. Adding a roommate to the mix can lead to some pretty difficult living situations, especially if your new built-in-buddy happens to have totally different habits from you. While most people are able to work out their differences, or simply ignore each other's differences, some problems can grow into enormous dilemmas.

When Liz Foster left home to attend the University of Oregon (Eugene, OR) she was excited about the prospect of living away from home. Slaving away at countless summer jobs was finally going to pay off -- she was about to enter the world of dormitories, dining hall food, and roommate adventures. The first few weeks were fine as she settled into a daily routine, but things slowly began to deteriorate right in her very own bedroom.

"I wish I had known that it was okay not to like your roommate... that you didn't have to be best friends. [My roommate and I] were just very different people and we simply couldn't find common ground. I came from a very conservative background and was very interested in studying. She was a party girl who came to college purely for the social scene. I think both of us were equally miserable!"

While this is an example of an extreme situation, here are five suggestions to make life trouble-free all year long.

1) Spend some time laying down ground rules with your new roommate. If you do this in the beginning of the year, it'll save you a lot of frustration down the road.

2) Let your roommate know if and when you plan to have guests (especially love interests) stay the night. While your college may certainly allow you to have overnight guests, your roommate may be uncomfortable having the love of your life move in with you.

3) Set aside "quiet time" during the week when you can both catch up on assignments. Be fair and willing to compromise -- go to the library once in awhile if you need some serious study time, or be willing to take the gang out for the evening so that they don't keep your studious buddy awake all night.

4) Be open. Don't be so polite that you completely hide your frustration. If you don't tell your roomie what they did to upset you, they may continue to do it unknowingly.

5) On the same note, pick your battles carefully. Living with someone is always an adventure; there's no guarantee that you'll get along perfectly. Try to accept what you can and remember that this person is probably making one or two sacrifices to live with you, too.

Take it from any student: If you open yourself up to the opportunities, college can be the best time of your life. You'll meet more people than you ever imagined and be forced to think in ways you never have before. It is a challenge, but meeting it can be one of your greatest achievements.

"College has been a far greater experience than I could ever have anticipated," sums up Brandye Brent, Moorpark College (Moorpark, CA). "Keep an open mind. College will present you with some many wonderful values, ideas, and beliefs -- both in and out of the classroom. Don't be afraid to shine!"

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