College is definitely a huge change for a freshman like me. It means leaving mom and dad, becoming independent, having more responsibilities, and so much. My first month at college has been pretty amazing so far, and I've learned a few things along the way. Here's five:

1. Get along with your roommate(s).

This is pretty important!! I've been blessed to have three awesome roommates to share this big apartment with, and we all get along so well. You're living with this person (or people) for 10 months out of the year. If you don't get along, it's going to be a pretty awkward experience. They may or may not become your new best friend. My roommates are becoming pretty close to that. Get to know them, help them out, give them advice, grab dinner together. Just get along!!

2. Just because it's college, doesn't mean there's no homework.

Walking into it, I expected there to be a significant difference between high school and college. Nope. The only difference is no one babies you here. You're on your own pretty much. Seriously, do your homework. It may be a small portion of your grade, but it is a portion of your grade, and it could determine you having a D or an F. Yes, you have 17 credit hours, and yes there's tons of assigned in each class, but just do it. Don't procrastinate; figure out how much downtime you have and use it to do homework that's due in two days rather than waiting the night before.

3. The shuttle is your new best friend.

I learned this day one. Especially at a place like Georgia College, parking is extremely limited and competitive. But with the shuttle, it will come pick you up at your location (like where you live) and take you to stops right next to class. The shuttle runs what seems like every 5 minutes for each shuttle location, so just take it. It's quick and free. Even if you have to sit by someone you don't know, at least you have a guaranteed ride.

4. You will miss your pets.

I have two dogs at home. A corgi named Toby (who is my dog) and a pekingese named Rascal (my parent's dog). I love them to death and I miss them every day. But living on campus isn't permanent. You can go home on the weekends and pay them a visit. Trust me, they'll be so happy to see you. In the meantime, print out some pictures of your pets and put them in a frame next to your bed. They're probably thinking of you, too.

5. You will feel homesick.

I thought I was having a great time being independent and with all of these responsibilities to myself. No parents around to tell you what to do or where to go. However, the first time I visited home over the labor day weekend since school started was rough. I missed the smell of my house, my own bed, my kitchen, my parents. Everything. You don't realize how homesick you are until you're home and with your family. It's hard at times because college is a big transition away from mommy and daddy. But it's completely okay to feel so homesick. Like I said, college is not a permanent thing. You are able to come home on the weekends and visit as many times as you want. Your parents, your town, and your house will be waiting for you when you get back.