Congratulations, you’re a Trojan. But now that you're here, how do you make sure your first year at USC is a good one? Here are ten easy tips for making the most of your freshman year:

Ten easy tips for a successful freshman year at USC. (JacQuLyne, Creative Commons)

1. Practice time management 

With college, comes freedom. But, with freedom, comes the necessity for structure. It’s easy to schedule daily class time, but when you add study time, papers, extracurricular events and football games into the mix, stuff gets rather mixed up. You have a lot of free time in college, so be sure to prioritize the things you need to do daily. Buy a calendar or planner, or use Post-It notes to write down due dates each day of the week. MacBook users can download the “Self Control” app to block certain distracting websites from their computers.

2. Go to class

This may seem obvious, but this can be a daunting task for many of us on a Monday morning at 8 AM. It’s tempting to sleep through that Friday morning lecture or skip that random 3 PM class when you need a nap, but try to forge ahead. Grab some coffee or hold your eyelids open in the back. Whatever floats your boat. Even if you think sitting through a lecture exhausted is useless, you will still grasp more information just by sitting there than you would while sleeping in your bed. Otherwise, you’ll be sorry come finals time when you realize you have one crumpled set of notes from September. 

3. Talk to your professors

One of the best ways to network in college is to establish relationships with your professors. You should never feel uncomfortable going to a professor’s office hours to talk about class information, confusion or anything else on your mind. They are all at USC to help you, and they would love to have a conversation with you outside of the classroom. 

4. Try something different

Whether you are a mechanical engineering major or a pre-med student, you should not feel pressured to takes classes solely within your major. It shouldn't hurt to take an introductory psychology class or an anthropology class about gangs in Los Angeles. It may spark a hidden interest you never knew existed. If you’re worried that you can't spare four units for an elective class, you can try a one-unit or two-unit course, like conversational Spanish or yoga. The options are endless.

5. Don’t be afraid to join organizations

Although the Involvement Fair may have passed, you still have the opportunity to find an extracurricular organization that suits your interests. There are hundreds of groups on campus, from club basketball to the Quidditch team. Get your name on an e-mail list, even if you’re unsure about an activity, so you can stay up-to-date about any events or opportunities you might be interested in. Also, ask friends about the organizations they have joined. Chances are, if you’re already friends with similar interests, you may have similar extracurricular interests as well. 

6. Be proactive about making friends

Making friends is awkward. In the real world, it’s somewhat strange to go up to someone in a restaurant and introduce yourself (if that’s you, then I’m really sorry). But, in a dining hall on campus, that’s completely acceptable. Everyone is in the same boat as you and being extra friendly will help you to find a close-knit group of friends.  If you think it’s weird simply to introduce yourself, start the conversation with some small talk. Ask where the library is, and then let the conversation continue from there. Just try not to be too creepy.

7. Join USC groups on social networking sites

If you have a Facebook, join networking groups like “Events & Parties” or “Jobs & Internships.” The postings in the group are more useful than you may think if you ever need to network, or are simply searching for something to do on the weekend. Follow USC-affiliated accounts on Twitter to receive updates about upcoming events. You can even follow USC on Instagram.

8. Clean your stuff (a lot)

It’s easy to let your dorm space get messy, but try to watch for when that mess becomes dirty. Set a time at least once a week to organize your room, which includes washing clothes and sheets, throwing out the garbage and cleaning out your mini-fridge. As a helpful hint, you may want to buy a duvet cover so you don’t have to worry about washing your huge, fluffy comforter. Remember that mac and cheese you stuffed in your fridge three months ago? Please throw it out. 

9. Show some school spirit

There is nothing like USC football. And, there is nothing like USC football tailgates. Game days are a great way to show school spirit, enjoy hotdogs and hamburgers with friends and meet other people. You should also consider attending other athletic events this year, such as sand volleyball games at the new court off Figueroa Street. 

10. Explore Los Angeles

Immerse yourself in the surrounding area of the university you are attending. Los Angeles is an amazing city with so many hidden gems to discover, like restaurants, parks, museums and shops. Plan a Saturday trip with a friend to Santa Monica to walk along Third Street Promenade. Or hike the Hollywood sign (as cliché as it is). If you do not have access to a car, you can take the Metro and plan your trip using the online planner or Google Maps. Also, renting a Zipcar is a viable pay-by-the-hour transportation option.

With these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to a successful and enjoyable college experience. Wishing everyone luck this year. Fight on!

Reach Contributor Hallie Roth here.