Your house is probably cleaner, it's undoubtedly a little quieter and you probably have more leftovers. The transition to college affects everyone: the fearful or fearless freshman, the pampering parents, the self-absorbed sibling(s) and even your pets.

Many parents express how jealous they are of what their children are about to experience. They reminisce of their utopia-like college days and fantasize about what it would be like to be on a college campus today with all of the resortlike amenities, academic choices and social activities.

But the adjustment for students can be stressful. The biggest challenge is usually balancing socializing and work. Not wanting to miss anything or feel left out often leads students to focus more on fitting in than hunkering down with their academics. There's also sex, drugs and alcohol to contend with.

What can a student do?

Explore and don't make snap decisions. Get to know a variety of students before following lock-step with a group. Investigate different clubs to join before making a commitment.

Give yourself some time to adjust. There will be disappointments; think consciously about ways to respond more maturely.

Adapt. If the professors' teaching styles are different from what you were accustomed to in high school, adjust. Form a study group, share notes, etc.

Prioritize. You can't do everything. When students narrow their focus, they often feel less stressed. Identifying and following a passion is often one of the favorite parts of being a college student.

Get personal. Let people, including fellow students, professors and teaching assistants, get to know you. This is the best way to make a big, new environment feel smaller.

Assess your fit. It's OK to measure your reality against your expectations; it might require some fine-tuning.

Never ignore a problem. Social and academic issues are most successfully managed when they are addressed early on.

Identify if help is needed. It might be the first time you find yourself seeking out a mental health professional. But receiving the right help at the right time can keep problems from snowballing.

Lee Bierer is an independent college adviser based in Charlotte, N.C. For more information, visit www.collegeadmissionsstrategies.com.