Take care of yourself. Your mother isn’t around to remind you to brush your teeth. Nobody’s going to scold you for eating three bowls of Cap’n Crunch. Self-discipline is more important now than it ever has been in your life.

• Go to class. You’re in college to learn. Everyone skips now and then, but don’t make it a habit. What you learn and do now will have a profound impact on the rest of your life.
• Get involved. Staying busy staves off boredom. It also helps you build skills and form social networks that will last a lifetime. Try out for a play. Join the astronomy club. Write for the school paper. Find something that sounds fun to you and do it. Take risks!
• Stay active. A healthy body costs far less to maintain than an unhealthy body. You don’t have to do much to avoid gaining weight in college. A walk around campus each day will probably do it.
• Eat healthy. It’s possible to eat well on a small budget if you know what you’re doing.
• Limit vices. Beer, cigarettes, and pot are expensive. They also screw with your body and mind. Take it easy on the vices. There’s nothing wrong with a drink or two on Friday night, but don’t go overboard.
• Learn the art of the Cheap Date. The student’s guide to cheap dates suggests:
  • Take advantage of mother nature
  • Go for coffee
  • Use CitySearch to track down cheap food and activities
  • Attend campus events
• Have fun. Your college years will be some of the best of your life. It’s trite, but true. Make the most of them.