College is a really weird time in life: basically everything you've ever known is changing. Weird to think about it that way, but it's true. You just have to accept it and start the new chapter in your life. A new city, a new school, new friends. Your bed is way smaller, you have to share a bathroom with 30 of your closest friends...or acquaintances that you see while you brush your teeth. You're living on your own for the first time. This is a huge adjustment period in everyone's lives

.Even though there's a lot of change, there is A LOT of room for learning. Freshmen are always at the bottom of the totem pole, clueless to the tips and tricks of college life. But we figure things out pretty quickly on our own. I've only been in college for a few months now, but I feel like I've learned enough lessons to last a lifetime. Everyone's college experience is a little different, but here are a few things I've learned in the few months I've had my own little shoebox of a dorm in downtown Atlanta:

1. You have to walk everywhere...all the time

I never realized just how much I would be walking here. I swear everyday I do at least 30+ sets of stairs, which is absolutely insane. Very quickly I learned to strategically plan my routes so that I could limit the number of times I had to drudge up Freshman Hill, backpack in tow. Although I feel like collapsing after walking what feels like miles back from class to my dorm, it does serve as a pretty sweet workout...or at least that's what I'm telling myself.

2. Video chatting is the most incredible thing ever

There's honestly nothing better than seeing an incoming FaceTime call from a friend from home pop up on my home screen on a bad day. I can't imagine how people did college before this was a thing. Going to college far from home means people you care about are spread all over different states. Even though I rendered this feature pretty much useless before I came to college, besides for really long gossip sessions with best friends of course, it's one of the things I rely on most when keeping up with the people I love and don't get to see as often anymore.

3. Dining halls kinda suck...but always go to Brittain over North Ave, if possible

There is a slim picking of dining halls on Georgia Tech's campus and I figured out pretty quickly which one was best. Let's just be honest here, everyone likes Brittain way better than North Ave. I mean they have a burrito station (and soft serve ice cream)! Who doesn't love that? But for some reason it's only open like once in a blue moon - the hours of operation are seriously crazy! Brittain is clearly superior, even though I normally end up getting the most unhealthy selection available - with a guilt salad on the side. Sometimes, you just have to settle for subpar North Ave pizza...it happens. Or if all else fails, delivery is always an option.

4. Uber is a lifesaver

I know at most colleges people have their cars, but not at Georgia Tech - I honestly only know a handful of people that actually have cars. Besides that fact that parking is virtually non-existent here, I definitely know I would not be confident in myself trying to operate a vehicle in the middle of downtown Atlanta rush hour traffic. And there, my friends, is where Uber comes into play. If you don't use Uber you're really missing out! It's so simple and useful. I'd never tried it before I came to college, but really what's better than having someone drive you where you want to go for SO cheap? Quick, easy Uber runs to Cookout or Taq with my friends are what make my week a little sweeter.

5. New friendships are pretty cool

In this little time I've been at college, I've learned making friends is so easy, I swear. That first few days of college everyone is desperate to make friends. No one has a group yet, so you just talk to anyone and everyone. And it's great (though yes you do have the same conversation 20 billion times that first week). I literally walked up and sat with random people and struck conversation in all of my classes. This seems kinda intimidating but honestly what do you have to lose? If you don't like them, just sit somewhere else the next time. Making friends is easy, but I learned you don't necessarily have to consolidate them all into one place. In high school, pretty much everyone has a squad--one group of people they rely on. But in college, it's honestly so helpful to know people in all kinds of places. More friends = more fun.

6. As cheesy as it sounds, your sorority sisters really do become like real sisters

This is the most cliche thing I'm going to write on here, I promise. I know some of you reading this are rolling your eyes right now, but just wait. Going into college, I had completely different opinions on Greek life. But after going through rush, the tables had turned. On bid day when I ran home to my new home away from home, I was running toward a group of wonderful, caring, inspirational women that I can look up to for the next four years (or five...this is Georgia Tech). I know I can show up at the house on a good day or a bad day and always have somewhere there to make me laugh or cry with me. I can honestly say that I've made friendships I know will last a lifetime. #bridesmaids

7. Breaks are amazing and weird all at the same time

I know this is different for everyone, but going home is one of the greatest things. Being at home means a break--a break from the craziness that is college life. From the constant pressure to feel like I need to be studying, to the mounds of homework, to that giant midterm looming a few days away. It means seeing all of my people, my dog. It means sleeping in a bed that isn't lofted 11 feet in the air and not having to wear shoes in the shower. From hitting up Melting Pot for a night with my besties who now live states away, to a trip to the beach with all of my favorites--being home is always a blast. But also kinda weird. It's weird to drive by my old high school and not know all of the drama. It's weird to see all the places I used to go everyday but don't get to anymore. It's weird to come back home and see how things have changed. It's just an odd experience--hard to explain, but you'll know what I mean if you've been there.

8. Naps are essential

I honestly think when people go to college, they revert to five year olds, because naps yet again become a necessity. When you've stayed up way later than you should have studying for a test or completing an online chem homework you forgot was due the next day, naps are definitely the best move. Futons are surprisingly more comfortable to sleep on than you’d think. I know personally, after I finish a three hour lab and am feeling defeated, I just curl up with a blanket, take a quick nap, and I'm ready to rally and get back to work in no time.

9. Seriously don't get behind on work. Do it as soon as possible

When you realize it's 11 pm and you have a test the next day, three homework assignments, and a paper due you know you messed up. One of the biggest things I've learned so far is that getting behind on work is the worst thing you can do. But of course, procrastination can get the best of us. I've actually found myself doing some pretty creative things to put off work--from watching Netflix, to vacuuming my room (don't ask me how this is better I don't know I just do it) to even doing other homework that seems less intimidating but isn't due for a week. It doesn't make sense but we all get ourselves into situations where we have too much to do and too little time. I've learned I need to work on not doing that and getting things done when I have the opportunity instead of waiting until the last minute. (side note - I may be procrastinating studying for a test by writing this article...it's fine)

10. Time really does fly when you're having fun

Okay so maybe I have one more cliche thing to say, but it's so true. I've been at college for three months but it feels like three days. I can't believe it's already October. Or that I'm already on my second round of midterms. It's crazy how the days feel slow but the weeks go by so fast! Before I know it I'm going to be halfway done with my freshman year of college. I don't think I'm ready for that at all. Like my English professor told me the other day, sometimes we have to take the time to be mindful, enjoy our surroundings, and slow down. Living in the moment is much better than worrying about the future.