This Thursday, August 22 is the first day of college classes for thousands of students at the University of South Carolina – to give you a better understanding of what this year’s freshman class looks like, we’ve broken it down by the numbers:

6,250 | Estimated number of freshmen

79 | Expected number of high school valedictorians in the freshman class

1,500 | Estimated number of freshman who will enter the Capstone Scholars program

594 | Estimated number of freshman who will enter the South Carolina Honors College this fall.

30 | Estimated number of countries represented by the freshman class

35,500 | Estimated student population at UofSC’s Columbia campus

Gif via GIPHY

Over the weekend, we asked our followers on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram what advice they would give their freshman selves. Here’s what they said:

“The best years of your life are just ahead…” – Robert S.

“Get involved on campus! Find a passion and something you love.” – @lysbrynn

“Stay focused. The friends you’ll make will be friends for life, but don’t let your classes fall behind.” – @gingeraffe_

“Don't assume that because you weren't good at something in high school, you won't be good at it now.” – @hmsykes

“Find a favorite spot on campus that you can go to when you need to recharge (I love the upstairs part of T Coop and the courtyard outside the humanities buildings)” – @ashleyaalvarado

“Avoid the freshy 15” – Matt N.

“Use school resources!!!!!!! Use the gym, career center, counseling, health center, tutoring, Etc!!! Use it ALL!” – @cami_highroller

“Learn math” – @SalleyRick

“Live within the train tracks, never outside of.” – @JayCooper11

‘Your diploma never states how long it took you, do what’s best for you and don’t stress about “getting it all done” in 4 years’. – @victoria_peck

“Join the club or take part in the activity even if you don't know anyone!” – @copperrae

“When you say “One more drink won’t hurt...” it will in fact... hurt.” – @maddy.eccles

“I’d definitely tell myself to take part in more campus programs! Think about all the free opportunities + resources you miss out on by not going to the career center or ssc (or even the movies at russell). 😩 “ – @caityburnham

“Sit in the front row. Sit in the front row. Sit in the front row.” – @jacobskateslakai

“Break up with your high school boyfriend.” – @cake____cat

“Read the syllabus, eat dinner before you drink, do a major that’s practical, call your mom more, work on your self worth.” – @a_man_duh_poll

“Make an attempt to understand how crosswalks work” – @alirichardsond

“Go 👏🏼 to 👏🏼 class 👏🏼 and make an attempt to actually learn the material from the classes you pay for, even gen eds.” – @greenvelvetsofa

“Save more money” – @therealstevendiaz

“Begin your day Praising God, thanking Him & asking Jesus to guide your steps!” – @susanlittlestutts

“Do something you enjoy” – @travisstyron

“Definitely travel abroad!” – @alice.smith.712

“Focus on school, not partying. It is a privilege to be there. Appreciate it & use it wisely.” – Kim B.

“Take advantage of office hours. Read the syllabus. Try new things and clubs!” – @missheardmedia

“Don’t eat so much and work out 😂” – @kosslertc

“Literally just chill out” – @jessica.rhymer

“Have fun but take it seriously. A lot of people don't get this opportunity to go to college so make it worth your time and money!” – @yogistyron

“It’s not beating the system to sign up for self-paced Astronomy and another class at the same time.” – @beershua

“NO Friday morning classes!!!! Lol” – @luandgregg

“Figure out your time management if you struggle with that!” – @travelfanatic18

“Go to class” – @ksvaldivia

“Get involved ASAP! It will make finding new friends much easier…” – @miagrimm03

“Watch Dark on Netflix and find out the answer” – @zboswish

“Buy Apple, Google and Walmart stock.” – Jon B.

“Eat lots of ice cream! 😂 Seriously though-work hard and good things will come to you! Good luck to the Class of 2023!” – @zestowestcolumbia

“Pizza Man is the best Za in Cola” – @ sfesler99

See more responses on our Facebook and Instagram posts (and leave some advice of your own).