College is like nothing else. Everyone has different experiences and every university is different, but there seems to be a lot of common misconceptions about college life and academics. We all hear horror stories and fairy tales about college, but what is really true?

1. Everyone Gains The Freshman Fifteen

The Freshman Fifteen is a bit of a different kind of misconception. Although it is true that a lot of people gain fifteen or so pounds during their first year of college, this isn't always the case. Some people may gain fifteen pounds in one semester, some may gain a freshman fifteen, and some may even lose weight. It is okay to gain or lose a little weight during your freshman year (or at any other time) because it is a transitional period. The important thing to know is although it is perfectly fine as long as your a maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Try not to eat pizza and fries from the cafeteria every single day. Trust me, you will get sick of them eventually. Also, remember to treat your self every once in awhile; you're working hard in college! And most importantly, you have four years of free and unlimited access to your universities gym! Take advantage of it!

2. Everyone drinks and parties

To be honest, this was one of my biggest worries about going to college. I thought I wouldn't fit in if I didn't go to all the parties. I thought partying would be a huge part of the college experience and that I would be left out. The truth is, it can be if you want it to be and if you don't that is perfectly fine too. If you aren't a big partier or drinker, there are still plenty of people that would want to order a pizza and watch movies with you. The bottom line? Do what makes you happy and never be pressured into doing something you aren't comfortable with as long as you are being responsible. Also, while everyone is out at a party, the washer and driers are always available so do your laundry!

3. You Have To Join A Sorority to Make Friends

Sometimes it feels like everyone and their brother are in a sorority, especially at a small university. I'm not in a sorority and I don't regret it. During move in week, I felt peer pressured into rushing. I asked my RA, I asked my friends and I asked my family. They all said different things. But in the end I knew what was going to be best for me and what I wanted to do. I've never felt left out and that is saying something since I go to a school where the vast majority of students are either in a sorority or fraternity. I'm not saying you shouldn't join a sorority because half of my best friends are and they love it. What I am trying to say is, this isn't the only way to make friends. People don't look down on you if you are or aren't in a sorority.

4. 8 A.M.'s Are The Worst

8 A.M.'s aren't the best things in the world, but they definitely aren't the worst either. I've never been an morning person, and throughout high school I was perpetually late. I set my mind to change this when I got to college. My first semester I had an 8 A.M. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. This semester I have one every single day expect Friday. Some mornings are rougher than others, but I genuinely feel better and have more energy when I wake up early. I get a jump start on my work, have a nice breakfast, and I can even justify a nap later on in the day!

5. All Nighters Are a Thing

I assumed that I would never get eight hours of sleep every again once I got to college. I thought I would be awake all night pouring over notes and writing papers. Guess what? I was wrong. Gone are the days of ten paged worksheets and reading journals. College is not about the busy work we got used to in high school. Rather, everything is paced out much more nicely. The key is to stay organized and on top of your studies. This is a sure fire way to never have to pull an all nighter.

6. College Is All About Finding Your One True Love

I also assumed that everyone would be dating a late more seriously than they are. I think I know two couples on campus, and they are both upperclassmen. I think this is a very common misconception that we have been taught through movies and books. Dating isn't that big of a deal which is kind of cool because it allows you to be friends with guys! You have the rest of your life to date! And let's face it... who has time to date anyway?

7. You'll Find "Your Person" Right Away

This was a difficult misconception for me to learn. After four years of high school and not really feeling like I fit in to any particular friend group, I was ready to find my "person", my best friend, and the maid of honor in my wedding. I thought I would move into my dorm and bump into the person I was supposed to be friends with for the rest of my life. Again, I blame Hollywood cinemas. It is perfectly normal to not have just one perfect best friend that is exactly like you. In fact, I would recommend it. Constantly searching and seeking your best friend limits you and you'll miss out on a bunch of great friends that you other wise would miss. Be open to new friendships.

8. Final and Midweek = Hell Week

Everyone warned me about finals and midterms. I've heard countless horror stories and that "D's get degrees". I was preparing for the worst and I was surprised when I completed my exams seemingly unscathed. Sure, it was stressful and I went through a few packs of note cards and highlighters, but just like with most things, if you pace your self and do not procrastinate, you'll find your self saying "That was midterm week?!".

9. Your GPA Doesn't Define You

I constantly told myself this in high school and to some degree I still think it holds some truth, but I can't tell you how many applications I have filled out for leadership positions that have required me to list my current GPA and I am only a freshman. Some jobs even ask for your GPA even years after graduation. No one is as obsessed with GPA's as they were in high school. No one really talks about their GPA's, constantly comparing a 3.5 to a 4.0. Nowadays, it is important to maintain a good GPA for your future, just without the constant stress of whether or not you'll get into your top choice university. But ask me again about my GPA when I'm a junior or senior. I'm sure I will be freaking out once again.

10. Dorm Rooms Are Like Jail Cells

I. Love. My. Dorm. Room.

I really, really do. I had fun picking everything out and hoarding it until move in day. I enjoyed making my side of my room exactly how I wanted it to be. There are certainly tricks on how to make your room as homey, comfortable and organized as possible. I believe that having a room that reflects your personal taste and style will make you much more happy, less homesick, and happy to come back to your "dorm sweet dorm" everyday.

11. You'll Automatically Become an Adult When You Enter College

"Adulting" is hard. But it is fun too. It isn't an instant switch over, but rather a learning process. It is difficult to suddenly be in charge of your self. Making your own doctors appointments, making sure you get enough sleep and who knew you made so much dirty laundry? Be patient, there is no rush in becoming "an adult who is a grown up".

12. High School Will Prepare You For College

It doesn't matter how many AP classes you take or how high you scored on the SAT. There isn't a sure fire way to prepare you for college. Your teachers and parents will try their best, but the truth is there is no way to be completely prepared for college. I certainly recommend taking AP classes and reading a couple college guide books such as "The Naked Roommate." There's just nothing to compare college to expect for college. You won't know what to expect until you first set foot on campus or your first college class and that is the beauty of it all.