Even though I have not even been at college for two full years yet, I have learned so much more about myself than I ever did all of high school. College really is a time to be independent and discover who you are.

1. Some things will not be easy, and that's okay.

In college so far, I have taken a few classes in which, no matter how hard I try to, I just do not understand. Not everything will make sense to me right away, and what matters the most at the end of the day is the amount of effort I put in.

2. Trying new things is beneficial

Going outside of my comfort zone, by taking challenging classes, joining clubs that were new to me, and utilizing the extracurricular opportunities that the school has to offer, I was exposed to a whole new world of learning, people, and opportunity.

3. The quality of friends will always outweigh the quantity

In high school, a lot of people tended to care about how many friends they had, and how “popular” they were. In college, I realized that I would much rather have a great, genuine people around me then a bunch that are not.

4. Do what makes you happy, and don't do anything that doesn't

College is the only time period in your life where you can be selfish. There is no one there lecturing you, or forcing you to do anything you don’t want to do. It is as simple as this: if something or someone does not make you happy, cut it out of your life.

5. Let yourself be homesick

Being homesick is not a sign of weakness. It is purely a sign that you love your family and home, and that you miss it. Giving yourself time to be upset is beneficial.

6. Take care of yourself

With the limited dining options, lack of sleep from doing work, and busy schedules, it can be easy to forget to take proper care of yourself. At the end of the day, your body will be grateful if you take the time to care for it.

7. Always be yourself

As said by Oscar Wilde, “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”

8. Manage your time well and have alone time

Sometimes it is easy to get caught up in the social scene of college. It is important to give yourself alone time, and give yourself room to breathe.

9. Always put your school work first

At the end of the day, everyone is going to college for one thing : a degree. Sometimes, the light at the end of the tunnel can be foggy, but school work should always come first, even if you really don’t want to miss the super fun party.

10. It is okay to not be in love with your school.

Whoever said that college was a breeze is lying to themselves. To be blunt, it can get lonely, no matter how many friends you have.