As my first semester of college comes to a close, I have made new friends, created new memories, and have learned to be more independent. With all of the changes that have come from adjusting to a new lifestyle in a new city, I'm ending the semester off with a few things to keep in mind over the course of the next three and a half years:

1. You need to budget each month

Having freedom to spend as you wish sounds great, until your bank account balance is 38 cents and you need to feed yourself for another week before adding more money. The only way to survive this is by budgeting your monthly allowance

2. It's okay to eat alone

No one is actually judging you when you go to a restaurant alone, we're all busy, and need to eat at some point. It's okay to be alone sometimes

3. Starbucks is your friend

So maybe $5 lattes seem a bit excessive, but when it's 11:30, and you're cramming to submit an assignment before midnight, Strozier Starbucks is going to be the absolute best caffeine pick me up. Though a little pricey, sometimes Starbucks will be your lord and savior

4. College is so different than high school

In high school, it was pretty easy to get away with studying for an exam 10 minutes before, and still doing well on it. However in college, you actually have to put in a lot of effort and manage your time well and be able to study days in advance to do well. It's all manageable though

5. This really is the best time of your life

Through all of the work and stress, late nights and exams, college really is a time to meet so many new people and have the best time.