Jackson Free Press

Orientation is over, and classes have started. Big-eyed freshmen are walking around campus like zombies because they don't know what is going on around them. Students are dropped into college with sometimes only a little preparation and a lot of idealism.

"Of course, I'll have enough money on my really expensive meal plan to eat at Burger King twice a day," you may say, dear freshman.

Wrong. First, you will run out of money. Second, you will gain a lot of weight (the "freshman 15" or sometimes even "freshman 50" really exist).

To live and resemble a functioning person while being in college can be tricky, but here are a few tips and hacks that might help keep your sanity and wallet in check.

Warning: Try at home with caution.

• Instead of ironing or steaming an item of clothing, hang the clothes in the shower room (not in the actual shower). The hot steam will relax wrinkles.
• Go ahead and buy dry shampoo or a similar product. Using it will help you sleep in longer while not looking completely hopeless on campus. But still take care of your hair—trust me.
• If your shoes are too tight, stuff a thick pair of socks in the shoes and blow dry (on hot) to increase the width.
• Don't avoid the place on campus where people campaign for homecoming or student government positions. Sometimes, people pass out donuts, pizza and drinks. Apparently, some people really want to be on the homecoming court.
• Know the details of your meal plan. Sometimes you will find a loophole to eat at the tasty place on campus more often than the place you avoid because of a rule. For example, block meals at the cafeteria may apply to restaurants at the union after a certain time.
• In case you have trouble waking up to your alarm, put your phone in a cup to make the alarm louder.
• Wrap a wet paper towel around a beverage and put it in the freezer for a little bit to make a drink cold. But don't forget to take it out of the freezer.
• If your air conditioning unit, refrigerator, etc., has a distinct odor, stick dryer sheets around the vents to help quench the stench. If your roommate smells bad, it is best to talk to them about it directly. If that doesn't work, you might have to buy them hygienic gifts.