The first month of school is when college students everywhere are trying to find their place. For some, they are learning how to be on their own without their parents. For students who have already lived away from their parents, this isn't new to them, but it's not something they're quite comfortable with either. These are the 14 things I've learned since starting college.

1. No one is judging you.

2. Everyone else is lost too so don't worry if you walk in to class two minutes late with a confused look on your face.

Chances are, someone else will walk in after you and be even more confused.

3. Your professors are not trying to fail you.

They genuinely care about your success and they will help you if you need help.

4. Read the syllabus for EVERY CLASS.

This is your ticket to an A and if you don't read it, you will fail. Just kidding but really.

5. Try new things.

Walk up to that girl in your class and introduce yourself. Chances are, she feels awkward too so just talk to her.

6. Introduce yourself to your professor.

They will take the time to get to know you if you take the time to get to know them.

7. Go to the involvement fairs and join something, anything!!!

8. Pay attention to tuition, financial aid and scholarship deadlines.

This isn't high school anymore and your parents are not going to be by your side 24/7 to remind you of things like this.

9. You are paying to go to college. GO TO CLASS!

DO NOT skip class unless you are dying.

10. "Completion points" do not exist.

In high school, you might have passed by turning in assignments just to get points. In college, completion points DO NOT EXIST. That paper you wrote the night before it was due in high school may have gotten you an A, but if you do the same thing in college, you will fail.

11. Utilize your resources.

Check out your local tutoring center. Most colleges have tutoring centers for almost all subjects, especially math. If you wait until the day before a test to ask for help, no one will be very willing to help you.

12. Take notes.

If you don't take notes, I promise there will come a time when you are doing your homework at night just wishing that you would have listened and taken notes during that lecture.

13. Use a planner or some organizational tool to keep your assignments, exams and papers straight.

It will minimize the number of times you cry per week when you don't know what is going on.

14. Learn something!

Everywhere you look, there will be people trying to teach you things. Listen to them and make the most out of your college experience.