After going through my first year of college, I really wish I had someone to give me tips on what it's like. College is like a roller coaster: fast, emotional, and the time of your life!

Here are 12 things that I wish I knew before I started college that I hope will help you...

1. Don't take advantage of the time you have left at home

There are only 3 months between you and college, live it up! Spend as much time as you possibly can with your friends and family! When it comes to your friends, even though they/you say they/you will visit, it most likely won't happen. When in college, you will be super busy and won't have much time to go on many trips home or to visit friends at their university. There is also the slight problem if your university doesn't allow freshman to have their cars on campus (aka, no transportation).

2. Being independent is a lot harder than you think!

Sure you get all of the amazing new freedom, but it also means you won't have your parents to guide you every step of the way anymore. You are in charge of it all, which can become very overwhelming. But just remember to think about the decisions you are making and you should be okay.

3. Learn how to budget your money

Trust me. This WILL come in handy! If you wanna eat ramen or commons everyday, feel free to disregard this. However, if you wanna be able to eat food that won't make you sick to your stomach or use the bathroom as soon as your done eating, you might really wanna consider this! I personally like to go to the movies, go shopping, and cook Pinterest foods, and that takes money that only budgeting will allow.

4. Don't take an 8am class!

Trust me! Don't do it!!! If you enjoy sleep, for the love of God, don't do it!

5. Step out of your comfort zone! Try new things!

This is a place where you find who you are. Try new things and meet new people! You never know, you may actually like it.

6. Take advantage of everything that says free or student discount!

Every free shirt or free cooking class! Do it! Get you money's worth! You are paying thousands of dollars for that shirt, so take it and wear it with pride! You will most likely be broke anyway, so instead of shopping for your clothes, you might as well just take the free stuff. Also, if you do end up with some extra cash in your pocket, many store have student discounts or reward programs. They understand we don't have money, look into it everywhere you shop! It can save you a few bucks! (Aka another pack of ramen money)

7. You don't need to bring so much stuff

As much as you are going to want to bring everything in your closet, I would advise against it. You don't really have that much space in your little dorm room. Only bring what you will use. You don't want to have a big cluttered mess (aka me).

8. Go to class and study!

This is your main priority here! Don't take it for granted. Yes, go out and have a good time, but don't blow off your homework or classes every day just to "have fun". It's really not worth failing all of your classes for. Also, you are paying thousands of dollars to go here and take these classes! Everyday of class you skip is probably at least $100+ you are wasting!

9. Join clubs!

Join clubs! Don't over book yourself, but have fun and make some friends. By joining different clubs you become more involved on campus, as well as possible leadership experience, and even sometimes the clubs could help benefit your future career! On top of that, you will make some wonderful friends that will last a lifetime!

10. http://www.ratemyprofessors.com/

You will not regret trying this website out! I have had my fair share of terrible teachers! My first semester in college, I didn't know about this website and I ended up having to drop a class because I couldn't stand (or learn anything) from the teacher. This website can help steer you away from teachers that other students have had before and hated, or just thought that they were weird or hard.

11. You will meet some wonderful people here!

Whether you meet your friends in clubs, class, other friends, or even just down the hall you will meet amazing people that will change your life! What they say about the friends you make in college becoming your friends for life is very true! Don't be afraid to leave your dorm room door open every now and again to allow others on your floor to stop in and chat, who knows, they could just very well become your best friend!

12. Even though this is a new journey and you don't know what will happen, everything is going to turn out fine... you will be okay!

Don't stress too much! Yes its scary and frustrating; yes there are numerous amounts of people you don't know; but in the end, you will be 100% okay! These next 4 (or more) years are going to be some of the best of your life! Live it up, have fun, and study hard! You will love it!