College is definitely a learning experience, inside the classroom and especially out. Here are some things I learned outside the classroom during my first two years of college...

1. No one else cares if you go to class or not.

Its pretty self explanatory. College is your responsibility and if you don’t care enough to go to class or study for your test, no one will lecture you or punish you. But don’t worry. Watching your GPA fall and losing scholarships will be punishment enough.

2. It’s socially acceptable to sleep in random places.

The first time I saw someone spread across a couch in the library as if it were their own, I realized that college was so much better than high school. Not only are people way more accepting, but everyone knows and understands the struggle of college.

3. High school friends aren’t always forever friends.

And that is okay. People you once knew in high school change, you change, you grow apart, and life goes on. And then there are those who change and watch you change, but still make an effort to remain part of your world. Eventually you learn to let go of what has passed. You learn to trust the process of letting go and you learn that it's okay to burn bridges sometimes.

4. Sacrifices of your social life pay off.

Sacrificing aspects of your social life sounds horrific and really it does suck sometimes, but it can definitely pay off in the long run, like when you get back that grade you’ve been hoping for or a scholarship that you really need. While having some sort of a social life is important for your well-being, it is NOT what college is all about. College is about preparing yourself for a career and furthering your education.

5. No one has their life figured out- even if it seems like they do.

Not everybody knows what their major should be. Not everybody has a part time job with flexible hours. Not everybody picks a major as a freshman and graduates in that same one. Not everybody has their ducks in a row, so don’t ever feel inferior because you don’t have it together. Welcome to the club.

6. Sleep is so important!!!

Get your 8 hours when you can people.

7. Living a healthy lifestyle becomes way more challenging in college.

You’re busier now, so you eat whatever’s the fastest. You’re on a budget, so you also try to eat cheaper. So, let’s face it, you eat out way more in college than you ever did before. You might’ve pinned that workout on your fitness board, but did you really plan on doing it somewhere between class, family, work, and homework? So yes, eating healthy and working out is a lot more challenging when you’re a college student, but honestly, you would be better off if you tried to make some healthier choices.

8. Learning how to deal with stress is critical.

Especially when you pack on the hours like I did to reach the goals I have set for myself. Learning how to handle my stress was honestly pretty difficult for a while because my stress led to anxiety which led to breakdowns. The key is to manage the stress levels so the cycle stops there. So, ask for help, find an outlet, do whatever you need to do in order to control the amount of stress you feel.

9. Time management and organization are essential.

Step One of College: GET A PLANNER. Seriously, I would not have made it through my first two years without a planner filled with my deadlines, assignments, events, and reminders. Not only is organization important, but timing is everything. Becoming an expert manager of your time takes practice, but it’s so important. Using your time wisely and having a plan for each day definitely makes a difference in your success!

10. How to balance

One huge thing I’ve learned to do is to balance and prioritize things in my life and it has a little to do with timing. College teaches you how to put your priorities in order and balance your family, job, friends, school work, personal time, etc.

And after you attend college for a while, this all becomes a normal, habitual thing. No matter where you are in the process, always remember all college students have one thing in common: COLLEGE.