With finals week just about done, I thought I would reflect on some of the things that I learned during my first year of college.

1. There is no place like home.

Moving to a new city is a huge adjustment that should not be taken lightly. Be proud of where you are from, and use it as a stepping stone to discover new places and new things.

2. College is hard.

The college experience is so much different from the high school experience. It requires more work, more studying, and more effort. Do not be afraid to ask for help.

3. Life is hard.

Being in college offers you your first taste of adulthood, and it can be scary to realize it sometimes. Use your college experience to mature and become a responsible adult who is not afraid to take on the world.

4. It is natural to be stressed, but it is not natural to be stressed constantly.

College is naturally stressful, but it is also an experience that should be enjoyed. If you are frequently stressed out, take a step back, figure out why, and adjust accordingly. Something as simple as taking a break and going out with friends can be the fix you need.

5. The world is so much different from your hometown.

Everything from the demographics to the environment to the weather is different in a new city. While you are probably most comfortable in your hometown, it is important to learn how to adjust to living in a new city, as it is sure to be something you will continue to experience in your life.

6. Having total independence has its advantages and its drawbacks.

It can be an exciting and thrilling experience to be completely on your own for once, but it also requires a great deal of responsibility. You are the sole person in charge of taking care of yourself, so do not abuse this power.

7. Do not take your family and friends for granted.

This might be the first time in your life that you have been away from your family for an extended period of time, and it does not really hit until after they are gone. Value the time you spend with them, check up on them frequently, and assure them that you are doing well.

8. The same goes for your pets.

Pets are truly irreplaceable, and they will be deeply missed. Spend as much time as possible with them when you can.

9. You are where you are for a reason.

It is certainly no coincidence that you chose to attend college, and where you chose to attend college was certainly a decision that you put a lot of time and thought into making. Do not forget that you belong at your university, even when you feel otherwise.

10. Keep in touch with those who have supported you and encouraged you along the way.

Give thanks to those who helped you make this dream become a reality. Your parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins, teachers, and friends are all people who might have inspired you to attend college—do not forget them.

11. Do not forget that attending college is a privilege, not a burden.

The inherent stress of the college experience should not be seen as something that cannot be dealt with. Instead, the ultimate goal of attending college—graduating—should be seen as a stepping stone to bigger and better things. You simply cannot put a price on education.