Diana
For students keep your options open. Look at different schools, private and state universities, big ones, and small ones. Maybe spend the night in one of the dorms. If you get a tour and you feel comfortable and safe; you just feel like this is like a second home then go with that choice. If it turns out that it just wasn't right for you then you can transfer. Get involved in things, go to activities and games, but also take nights off. Do go out drinking all the time. I think the most important thing is to just relax. Don't go home the first month (unless there is something very important) it will help you get over the homesickness. You can call your parents, its okay. As for parents the first few days may be rough but just relax and let your kids learn on their own. You don't have to come to every rescue.
Nicole
Choose the college that feels right to you. Just because something looks good on the outside doesn't mean it's the right fit for you. Visit the campus, talk to the people. And follow your heart. If that means going a thousand miles away from home, so be it. You're the one in college, not your family. To the parents I would say just to support your children in whatever they decide to do. And don't think that you have to fix everything for them.
Hannah
I would not always go to a big school because it is full of kids and partys but take a look at a small college they can be just as fun and you will get a better education
Kristina
Make sure the college/university fits you. Don't just go there because your friends are, there is a lot to be said for a smaller college/university that fits you and recognizes you as a person compared to a college/university that is so large that your just a number in an oversized lecture hall. You want to be somewhere where you will succeed and at a place where the faculty and staff will try their hardest to get you there. You want a place that kind of feels like home but is different enough that it still feels like school. There has to be a great deal of activities and extracurricular things to get involved with no matter where you go, the key to a successful and happy college/universty career is feeling like you fit in and belong, without that your studies will be difficult. My bigest thing to look for is a great school with a lot of resources for success and a great campus life, somewhere that fits you perfectly.
Rachel
Look at different kinds of schools so that you can get a feel for what you like.
Jaci
Pick a college you feel comfortable at. Don't just choose a school because they have the best reputation, or because people know that school, or because your relatives went there. You ahve 4 years there, make sure you want to be there.
Megan
Go for the one you want