“Wherever you are, be all there.” –Jim Elliot

Back to school brings all sorts of stress and emotions. Sometimes you need to read just the right thing to make the goodbyes, move-ins, and new school year seem more manageable. I love words, quotes, and mantras. Here are 5 of my favorites to kick off this school year with:

Especially key for those first-year college ladies out there, I think the hardest thing about school is really be at school. While we love our social media, sometimes it’s easier to keep refreshing your twitter feed than it is to chat to the person next to us in class. Just take things in stride and live in the now, in reality, whether it’s at class, dinner or in one of your extracurricular activities. Your attentiveness will stand out, and you won’t experience FOMO or homesickness as a result… wins all around. I have this pinned to my bulletin board (cute print versions on pinterest!) and love to have it as a reminder to just be in the now, taking things one step at a time.

“Go to sleep with a dream, wake up with a purpose.” –Unknown

I love this quote—it’s just so encouraging to be proactive in our everyday lives! It’s easy to get discouraged and stressed out and to just crawl into bed every night to escape the to-do list craziness. This quote really challenges you to be thinking of goals and dreams and to rise and shine to accomplish them. And really, what’s better than making your dreams a reality?

“Live, travel, adventure, bless and don’t be sorry.” – Jack Keroac

This is the time in our lives to take chances, immerse ourselves in new things, and to live without regrets! Learn from mistakes, own up to your actions, and find a way to see the world around you. It’s scary to stray from the norm and try new things, but it’s something that brings such great benefits in the end. SO worth it—find your new adventures!

“Do what you feel in your heart to be right- for you’ll be criticized anyway.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

It’s so easy to get caught up in reputations, expectations and what is “cool” or right for you… just do your thing and follow your gut! I always ask for peoples’ opinions before doing things and realized during my freshman year that I just needed to go by what I think is right and true to who I am. Follow your instincts and you will be respected (and much happier!)

“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” – Albert Einstein

I find this so reassuring… it’s a lovely little reminder that if you’re struggling in your Calc class, that you aren’t dumb—you just have other talents and academic focuses! Don’t let friends with different majors or old SAT/ACT scores make you feel small. Everyone in college has a unique set of skills and talents; enjoy and embrace them!

We want to know your best quotes for the school year! Share with us on Twitter @UChic to share ideas or leave us a comment below.