The fall semester is near, and in a matter of weeks, thousands of new students will be flooding campuses nationwide. It's common knowledge that many students attend college for more than just their degree. Some will argue that the "experience" isn't worth the price, while others wouldn't trade their experiences for anything. Personally, I wouldn't be where I am today had I not decided to skip over the Michigan border and attend Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio. While my wallet is sad, my soul is glad. As I'm about to start my junior year of college (yikes), I can't help but sit back and reflect before the campus chaos ensues. Here are 11 things I've managed to retain in my college years thus far that have more to do with life than my major.

1. Partying is not all that it's cracked up to be.

While I'm an extrovert, parties have never really been my forte; I've always preferred small groups with more personal interaction. However, I have had my fair share of experiences in this department. Based on my own knowledge, I can safely say that it's not as good as they make it out to be. Plus, a lot of that dreaded first-year weight gain can come from alcohol. I'm not saying don't have any fun- breaks are just as important as studying- but perhaps party smarter. Maybe limit how many times a week you decide to hit the bars, so that you'll appreciate those well-deserved breaks even more. Additionally, while it may seem like a nuisance to be bombarded with party safety tips during the first few weeks of classes, they're actually super important. I'm fortunate enough to attend a university that goes out of their way to inform its students on safety issues regarding the party scene. Regardless of where you go to school, chances are, safety is going to remain a crucial issue. Within the first few weeks of my first semester, there was already a sexual assault just a few doors down from my room. It's really easy to think "that will never happen to me". Guess what? It can. I know people who have had to drop out simply because their partying and drinking shattered their GPA. The problem isn't necessarily the partying itself- it's portion control. It's really easy to want to have a good time all the time, but that just isn't possible. As I said earlier, don't party more, party smarter.

2. Your mental health is far more important than a grade or club.

Don't even get me started on how messed up the education system is in this country, and how much unnecessary importance we put on a simple letter grade. Both my friends and myself have put school before our own personal needs. I'm not talking about those stereotypical all-nighters needed to finish a paper (seriously, at least start it before the day it's due), I'm talking about being so stressed over a class that you don't give yourself a break and you wear yourself thin. Breaks are just as important as studying; they're when your brain really absorbs the material. If you're trying your best and have sought out all the help you can get, then there's no point in stressing yourself even further than necessary. One class may seem like the whole world, but it isn't. Yes, you should care and do the best you can, but also remember that a little letter on a piece of paper doesn't define you, your worth, your intelligence, or any other important aspect about yourself. The same goes for a club that may be taking all of your time and sucking the life out of you. If a test is freaking you out to the point where you're sobbing (it happens more than you'd think), take a break. Besides, you're just wasting time trying to study when upset, because chances are, you're not going to be absorbing that material.

3. It's okay to say "no".

Our culture has a tendency to make us think we have to "do it all" in order to be happy or successful. That's simply not the case. It's easy to be excited and get so involved with organizations or activities that you lose yourself, stretch yourself thin, and become quickly exhausted. You're under no obligation to do more than you can handle. If a club is making it hard for you to focus on your school/job and adds more stress than alleviates it, you should probably consider lightening your load. You might feel bad for turning someone or something down, but your personal stability is worth much more.

4. Quality is better than quantity.

Going along with #3, quality is better than quantity. It's better to give a few things your all than to only give a little effort to a lot. When it comes to clubs, it can be difficult to decide which ones you want to dedicate yourself to. It's okay to experiment- in fact, I encourage it- but make sure you decide in a timely manner so the organization knows whether or not they can depend on you.

5. Many, if not most friends are temporary.

I've definitely lost more close friends than I've gained, and I honestly don't see that pattern changing much until I'm close to graduation (or even graduated). It sucks, but it's also a good thing. Many personal changes and growth happen when you're in your 20's and even early 30's. I can guarantee you probably won't enjoy the same company at 25 that you did when you were 20. It's part of growing, and while loss hurts, it can make you stronger and show you what you really value in life.

6. Don't burn your bridges.

While a great deal of friends for the first part of your life are temporary, that doesn't mean you should let relationships crumble in unhealthy ways. This is sometimes unavoidable, but it's important to always be polite and respectful to someone, even if they broke your heart or gave you a tough time in class. You never know who you're going to work with or for someday, so how you handle hardships is very important.

7. Time goes by really fast, so plan ahead and give yourself the time you need.

I like to think that being early is on time, and being on time is late. Life doesn't always work out that way, though. There have been many times when my sprinting to class or a meeting has left me completely out of breath and my mind chaotic and anxious. Make a habit of allowing yourself up to double the time you think it would take you to complete a task. I don't know about you, but I prefer to be calm and prepared before a lecture, not counting how many tardies I have left before my grade will drop. This not only applies to classes and meetings, but jobs as well. Driving to an interview? Don't underestimate traffic or weather. I'd much rather be an hour early to an interview than an hour late, and being early looks better on your part as a potential employee.

8. Don't let the little things drag you down.

I don't know anyone who hasn't let little things in life drag them down at least once. You failed a quiz? Bummer, but now you know what to do for next time. Don't let one little result ruin your day. Mad you got soaked in the rain on the way to class? I would be too, but things like that don't mean much in the grand scheme of things. It's all about perspective. It's cliché, I know, but try and focus on the positives. If I have car repairs, I try to remember and be grateful that I even have a car. Attitude checks throughout the day can help it continue to run smoothly.

9. Budgeting and finances are important.

Budgeting and money issues are stressful, plain and simple. From personal experience, I've learned that avoiding your bank account will not help the problem. Take the time to write out all of your expenses and projected costs, and try not to let the numbers scare you (easier said than done). I understand that finances for many are a sensitive, complicated issue, but if you're fortunate enough to be doing okay, it's important to keep careful track so you don't end up in a hole. It's much easier to stay out of a hole than to pull yourself out of one. If you're able, perhaps start putting a set amount aside each month for savings (it doesn't matter how much). Save receipts. Keep track of when expenses will deduct from your account. Look at your spending patterns. I know I'm not alone when I say tons of money is wasted on take-out food every month. I also like to take my time when shopping and ask myself, "do I really need this?" when debating a purchase. If you don't love it, leave it.

10. Don't be so obsessed with the future.

I'm a Type-A person, so planning is in my blood. I used to plan out years in advance of where I planned to be, and what I planned to do. When things didn't go according to my plan, I would get angry and upset. Granted, one's future is generally more stable once they're out of their 20's, but the principle can be applied at any age. It may seem stressful to see tons of people your age reaching milestones that you haven't yet, but don't let it bother you. Everyone has their own timeline. I'm finding that most of the time, life doesn't go how I planned at all, but the results are far better than what my original plans would have brought. Other than that, there's excitement in not knowing every detail, and it allows for growth and adaptation.

11. ...But do be organized and have some goals in mind.

Yes, don't expect everything to go according to plan (or any of it, really), but still have general ambitions. Know your basic routine and schedule. Instead of thinking, "In five years, I want to be employed at this specific company with this specific career", try thinking, "In five years, I want to be employed in this field, and perhaps working at this location". If there's something you know you really want years ahead, then by all means, don't let me ruin your dreams. In most situations, however, specifics have a tendency to make things harder, not easier. Wanting many specific outcomes can cause one to be more disappointed when things don't go their way. Be open to flexibility.

I've learned far more than just 11 things during my first half of college, but these are some of the most important. Save yourself the heartbreak and don't sweat the small stuff.