Christian Fanning understands how uncertainty often plagues young students during their freshman years, creating what seems like the inability to gain any sort of realistic perspective on how to establish the beginnings of a successful academic career. The prospect of juggling classes, friends, events, activities and an athletic career, as he knows, can lead to apprehension, uncertainty and confusion, often times leaving a new Freshman lost in the sea of university life, and desperately searching for answers as to how to make it all work.

Christian Fanning, who graduated high school in 2012, is now acclimated to the college lifestyle, though he understands how harrowing it can be for incoming freshman in desperate need of solid footing and a little stability. Below, he provides young freshmen several tips for creating a framework for success; a strong foundation for an optimized and successful academic career.

Establish a Budget

Christian Fanning recommends that every freshman begin by establishing a budget. This, of course, requires the diligent tracking of all expenditures, everything not associated with the obvious costs of college, such as tuition and books. By keeping a record of your spending, as well as any income you make, you will be better able to manage your behavior and to avoid the potential of financial desperation down the road.

Economize Your Space

When packing for the beginning of your college adventure, says Christian Fanning, be sure to remember that you are about to move into a smaller space, and that certain things aren’t always necessary to bring. Pack the essentials, of course, but also be prepared for the prospect that you will most likely be sharing a small space with someone else, and that there will need to be room for their valuables as well.

Find Ways to Alleviate Stress

As Christian Fanning understands, the college lifestyle goes hand-in-hand with stress, something that can build over time and finds a source in multiple outlets. Do your best, he says, to find activities and/or healthy behaviors that give you a way to alleviate the stress often arising from classwork, relationships etc. The less stressful you are, the better you most likely will be to cope with the demands of a complex college schedule.

Seek Out Cheaper Textbooks

College freshmen, historically, spend hundreds of dollars every year on textbooks, which eats a considerable hole in their budget. Instead, says Christian Fanning, do some research into stores, online venues, etc for book discounts. Renting textbooks, says Christian Fanning, is also often a possibility. Exhaust all your options before paying exorbitant textbook costs. You’ll be surprised at how much money you can often save through just a minimal amount of research.

Capitalize on Technology

Recent advances in technology, says Christian Fanning, make it easier than ever before to better manage schedules, plan events, etc. Such things as laptops, smartphones, tablets and more can be invaluable and handy scheduling and organizational tools that will help you stay on top of what’s important, what’s going on and the establishment of priorities.