Freshman year is one of the best times in college. Everything is so new and different and, best of all, you don’t have Mom or Dad breathing down your throat. Unless you’re dating an upperclassmen or have an older brother or sister to give you the lowdown on college dos and don’ts you’re probably pretty clueless. Don’t fret. You’ll learn as you go, but-here are the ABC’s of freshman life to help you along the way:

Alcohol

Freshman year may be the first time students are exposed to alcohol or feel tempted to drink. Even though freshman are underage, they may have the opportunity to drink at parties, sports games and other social events. Students at this age are typically irresponsible drinkers and more likely to experience alcohol poisoning and other health risks. Alcohol abuse can start as early as freshman year, and excessive drinking can have a very negative impact on students’ health, grades, class attendance, eligibility for financial aid and extracurricular activities.

Bachelor’s Degree

A bachelor’s degree is the academic degree awarded to undergraduates who’ve completed their degree program. A bachelor’s degree generally takes four years to complete, but some students can finish their degree program in as little as two years or as long as six years. Freshman will set up a graduation plan and sign a contract that pledges they will graduate on time.

Cafeteria

College cafeterias are generally a step up from your high school cafeteria. They have just about every food you can imagine – French fries, cookies, pasta, tacos, sub sandwiches, ice cream, pizza and many of your quick-service chain restaurants that can be seen in a mall food court. Most freshman are on a college meal plan that covers the cost of your meals for the semester, and can be used at cafeterias and some local restaurants.

Dormitory

Smelly hallways, communal bathrooms and overflowing trash are just some of the joys of living in the dorms. Most freshman live in the dorms their first year because it’s required, or they want to live on campus and be able to roll out of bed and walk to class. Sure, dorm-living is not glamorous or desirable, but it’s affordable, convenient and a great way to make friends. In addition, most colleges find that students who live on campus tend to make higher grades and attend more classes than those who live off campus.

Exams

College exams are very different from high school tests that freshman are used to taking. For starters, college exams usually make up the majority of your final grade. Each exam can make or break your overall grade, so it’s very important to go to class and devote enough time to studying for each test. Freshman should develop good study habits in their first year, so they are prepared for each test and can retain the information for their final exams.

Freshman 15

The freshman 15 is the weight gained in your first year of college. Thanks to the endless supply of junk food and sugary drinks at your fingertips and being away from your momma’s healthy cooking, the freshman 15 is easier to get than you think. Students have plenty of healthy food alternatives and accessibility to recreational centers and gyms to keep off those unwanted pounds.

GPA

A students’ grade point average (GPA) is the number of grade points divided by the total amount of credit hours attempted. This number determines your academic standing, honor roll acceptance and eligibility for financial aid and scholarships. Your GPA may also affect your internship opportunities, job acceptance and other career opportunities. Even though it’s only the first year, it’s important for freshman to make good grades and develop positive study habits to follow throughout college.

Homecoming

Homecoming is an important college tradition for many schools. It’s the time in which alumni come back to visit their alma mater. Many colleges have a homecoming football game, a crowning of homecoming king and queen and other events that promote school pride and team spirit. Freshman may also go home for their high school’s homecoming to see old friends and watch their alma mater’s game.

Independence

Freshman year is the first time students have independence from mom and dad. Sure, you might not be financially independent from them, but you don’t have Dad to help you with homework or Mom to do your laundry. You have to take care of yourself and make important decisions on your own.

Jobless

Many freshman don’t have jobs their first year because they want to focus on school and get acquainted with college life before trying to juggle school and work. Those who are jobless have more free time for studying, extracurricular activities and other social obligations.

Knowledge

College is an incredible learning experience academically and socially, especially in your freshman year. From the get go, freshman are surrounded by people of different personalities, backgrounds, opinions, beliefs, cultures and interests that are inherently different from your own. This kind of exposure is important to growing up, having independence and accepting people who are different from you. Academically, your freshman year is filled with important lessons and teachings that will stick with you and guide you in the direction of your career.

Library

The library is where you’ll spend most of your time studying. College libraries are equipped with study carrels, computer labs and an extensive collection of books and resource materials for your research and studying needs. The library can be more of a social gathering than a place for studying, especially around finals, but freshman should try to avoid these parts of the library if they’re genuinely trying to study and not chit chat.

Major

Art, engineering, fashion design and history are just a few of the majors offered at four-year universities. Declaring a major can be one of the most exciting and difficult things to do as a freshman. At most schools, students aren’t required to declare a major until the end of their sophomore year, but some ambitious students and those who are trying to graduate on time may want to choose their major sooner than that. With so many choices and factors to consider, freshman can become overwhelmed by this declaration. It’s important to speak to an adviser, dean, career specialists and other resources that will help guide you towards a fulfilling major and enjoyable career field.

Naps

The average college student is pretty sleep deprived, especially around final exams. To make up for lost sleep, students take naps to reenergize and catch some Zs in between classes.

Overdraft

Over drafting your bank account is a classic freshman mistake. Too many trips to your favorite restaurant or splurging at the local mall can get you into trouble with your bank, so watch your spending and get overdraft protection if you think you might slip up.

Professors

Each college course is taught by a professor, who is knowledgeable about the subject and considered an expert in the field. Even in classes of 300 or more students, it’s important to introduce yourself to the professor in the beginning of the year and talk to him/her when you need help or clarification. To the average freshman, professors might seem intimidating or mean, but they are there to help you and genuinely want you to succeed. All professors have office hours designed for meeting with students, but it’s your responsibility to visit them and ask questions.

Quad

The quad is a rectangular area surrounded by buildings on each side. Quads are signature to the landscape of college campuses, and are a popular place to study, eat lunch with friends or catch some rays while waiting for your next class.

Resident Advisors

Resident advisors, most often called RAs, are the camp counselors of the residence halls. Each floor is assigned an RA, who makes sure students are achieving their academic and personal goals and adjusting to college life, as well as enforcing campus and dormitory rules.

Spring Break

Spring break is the most highly-anticipated holiday in college. For many, it means going home to see friends and family, while others hit the beach or slopes for vacation. However you spend your spring break, you’ll be free from studying for one week and come back refreshed and ready to tackle those final exams.

Team Spirit

Freshman are usually fresh out of high school and incredibly enthusiastic about anything and everything college. From sports games, homecoming rallies to running for student government positions, the freshman class enhances college team spirit.

Underage

Eighteen year olds might be able to vote, buy cigarettes and go to war, but they are still not old enough to drink alcohol. Freshman may not like this reality when moving away from their parents and establishing their newfound freedom, but underage drinking is not condoned and colleges strongly enforce this law.

Vitamins

Considering their poor eating habits, lack of sleep and close-quartered living, it’s no wonder why so many freshman get sick in the dorms. Just like your mother says, “take your vitamins,” to boost your immunity and prevent illness. If you can’t remember to take your multivitamins, at least eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly.

Walking

Freshman spend a great deal of time walking to class, walking to the library and walking home every day. With this much walking, you’ll need a reliable pair of shoes. In order to fit in and not look like a newbie, check out what upperclassmen are wearing and see what brands are cool for school. Whatever you do – don’t get caught wearing your letterman jacket on campus.

X-mas Break

X-mas break, also called winter break, marks the end of the fall semester and it is about a month long. Most freshman go home during this time to celebrate the holidays with family and friends or work a seasonal job. At this point, freshman have survived their first semester, taken their final exams and know what to expect for the spring.

Youngsters

Freshman are youngsters, generally about 18 or 19 years old. At this age, most people are impressionable, naive and clueless about the real world, but college helps young people discover who they are, what they believe in and what they want to do with the rest of their lives. Freshman are introduced to new situations, people and lifestyles in college, and it’s those experiences as a youngster that shape them into an adult.

Zero Tolerance

Many colleges have a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to breaking university rules, such as drug use, underage drinking, violence, possession of weapons and plagiarism. This policy may vary from school to school, but it’s designed to curb illegal behavior and promote a healthy and safe environment for all students and faculty.