Back when we thought we knew it all, we clearly had everything to learn. From figuring out how to balance our social life and school, to figuring out how to balance on an elevated surface in six-inch heels; it was a rough year. It is easy to be influenced by other people in a place where we are all just trying to fit in. The realizations we make by ourselves turn out to be those most influential, and the ones worth keeping with us for the next three years.

1. No one cares if you go to that party.

First things first: Do not let FOMO take over your life. A Tuesday night in a frat’s basement will never be worth more than a good grade on that exam.

2. People won’t think you’re lame for trying in school.

Sit alone in the commons, put your beats on and do your own thing. To much of your surprise, people will actually think it’s cool when you give a crap about your future.

3. Just because you wear different letters, doesn’t mean you’re all that different.

We all joined our sororities for many of the same reasons, to make friends, go out and yes…to say we joined that sorority. So chances are, the girl that you’re eyeing up in class is wearing the letters that you preffed at one point during rush. Maybe if she had spoken to different girl during second rounds, she might’ve become your sister for life. It’s that simple. Segregating based on such insubstantial differences will only hurt you.

4. And just because someone wears no letters, this makes them no less than you.

Ah yes, GDIs. The college derived G word of offensive slurs. We all have our own priorities and if someone doesn’t put a Greek social life at the top of theirs…more power to them.

5. People lives aren’t as cool as their Instagram feed looks.

It may look cool online, but no one looks cool waiting in line to take pictures with the Delta Chi wall.

6. DO NOT download Uber until it goes below 45 degrees.

Even when the blue loop is all the way downtown and you’re worried about being late to that social. Your bank account will thank you later.

7. You are not defined by last night’s actions.

Don’t be embarrassed by that 200 second Snapchat story, no one took the time to watch it anyway.

8. There should be no such thing as pre-gaming the pre-game.

Walking into a party sober may sound like that most unappealing experience. But just try it, you’re going to meet people who you can actually wave to on campus and not question whether or not they remember who you are.

9. Jeffrey Campbells are not made for Frat Houses.

Self-Explanatory.

10. Never abandon your crying friend; you’ll want her there for you when it’s your turn.

You hate her but you love her. And most of all you need her. You might have to remind her of what happened, but make sure you do because when it is your turn for the waterworks, she’ll be the one sitting in the bathroom with you for two hours.

11. This isn’t the real world.

After a while you might mentally separate your weeks into two parts. The Weekdays: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. And the Weekend: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Don’t do that.

12. It’s never too early to start adulting.

As much as it sucks trying to apply for an internship as a freshman, it’s going to suck a heck of a lot more being a junior with a resume full of high school clubs.

13. Calling your mother takes five minutes of your day, and makes the rest of hers.

A quick check in while walking to class, or even during the two minutes your ramen takes to cook. All day she is thinking of you... Think of her too.

14. You're going to get hurt, but are going to get through it each time.

The fear of being hurt will hurt you more than facing that fear.

15. Don’t hold anything back.

Remember years ago when we pictured ourselves in college? You weren’t picturing yourself sleeping through class every Monday, or skipping out on a Football game to Daylong. Don’t lose sight of that. You can be whoever you want to be here, don’t be everyone else.