As I was laying in my dorm room bunk bed watching "Dirty Dancing" for the fourth time that week, I had an epiphany. I realized all of the important lessons a girl needs to know in order to survive college, she can learn through iconic 80’s movies.

1. In college, mental health days are imperative for your survival.

No, you are not sick, but in order to maintain your sanity you cannot attend your 8 a.m. class tomorrow. You tell yourself, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in awhile, you could miss it."

2. Don't drive your parents to premature grays because you’re trying to grow up too fast.

It is Inevitable that you will grow and change during college, but remember your parents love you and this is a big change for them as well as for you. I would not go home on Christmas break and begin telling your parents a story involving not sleeping at 2 a.m. on a weeknight.

3. Be bold and go for it.

If you want to talk to that cute boy sitting across the dining hall, go do it. You might look like an idiot, but it could also be the best thing you’ll ever do. Always, always carry the watermelon.

4. If you want something, put the work into it to make it happen.

After all, anything worth doing takes work. You want to get that internship? Go put together your best portfolio. You want to master leaping into Patrick Swayze’s arms? Go practice in a lake all day.

5. Your friends may annoy you sometimes, but remember they mean well.

While you are at college, your friends are your constant, available support system. They may drive you nuts, but you love them and can’t thank them enough for everything they do.

6. Being nice still gets you the farthest.

In college, just like in real life, you come across those who want to bring people down in order to get ahead. I promise you that good things will come your way when you try your best to be nice to everyone in your life. If you give the nerdy outcast your undies a hot guy will come see you.

7. Remember everyone has different backgrounds and different stories.

There are the rich and the poor. The full rides and the loans for life. The honors and the athletes. The unsocial and the popular. It’s college, but that is what makes it exciting. Will you fall in love with someone unexpected? Will you give the bad boy one of your earrings?

8. Not everything is as it seems.

The karate kid had to wax on and wax off. We have to do countless, redundant math problems. Do the busy work and hope, like Mr. Miyagi, that there is method to your professor’s madness.