College can be a difficult transition, but here are five things I have learned.

1. Change is inevitable

In college, it seems like things are changing at a much faster pace that normal. This is completely normal. You might think that everything has to be done right away and all at once, but it doesn’t. You have time. Take things day by day. Relax and breathe. Don’t rush yourself into the next chapter of your life. Instead, enjoy the little moments and memories you’ll make while in college. Things aren’t always going to go the way you planned sometimes, but take it as a challenge and make the best of it.

2. Learn to let go

You graduate and spend the best summer of your life with all your close high school friends. Then, with a blink of an eye summer ends, and you all go your separate ways. You feel like a part of you is missing now, but real friends will always stay with you in your heart no matter how long the distance is. Unfortunately, some end up changing for the worst; then come Thanksgiving break and Christmas break you won’t even know who they are anymore. There’s nothing you can do about this but accept it. On the other hand, there are those other types of relationships you try to hold onto going into college. Chances are at some point, college will change your boyfriend or girlfriend and usually not for the best sometimes. Learn to let it go and move on with your life. Dragging someone along doesn’t allow you to meet new people and expand your horizons. Put what you had in the past and, if it’s meant to be, it will find its way back someday. Instead, focus on yourself and what you can do to make yourself happy and a better you. Don’t be bitter, be better.

3. Don’t forget where you came from

Most people in every class you will be in will ask you where you are from then reply with, “never heard of it.” In college, you’ll meet so many different people from different places. It’s interesting to hear what it’s like to be where they are from. A lot of people go off to big colleges and completely forget who they are. This is normal though. Don’t be embarrassed about where you came from—it made you who you are. You will meet a lot of people from the suburbs of big cities, and they are always interested in listening to what it’s like being from a small town where people know you by your first and last name. Don’t be afraid to show people who you are and the place that made you who you are.

4. Don’t forget about your family

I don’t think I could ever thank my parents enough for all the support they’ve given me while being in college. Whether it’s helping me find my passion and making a career out of it, going to all my college sports games, or even helping me with my chemistry homework. But don’t forget that while you’re busy growing up, they are too. Appreciate them and what they’ve done for you and the sacrifices they made to get you where you are today. College isn’t cheap, and it’s one of the biggest investments you’ll make in your life. If you have parents that pay for your college, don’t disappoint them and don’t take it for granted. Some students go through college without their parents paying a dime. Cherish the time that you have with them on holidays and breaks. Family always comes first no matter what.

5. It’s OK to have a night in

There’s definitely a stereotype in college that you have to party all the time. We all see it in movies and on social media. This is totally 100 percent not true. Yes, there are those crazy wild weekends, but soon they become not so important. College is tough, and sometimes you have to take a weekend off to just study and get your mind and priorities straight. Don’t make partying a priority in college because it can steer you away from the big picture overall. It’s OK to have a night in every now and then; you won’t get judged. Most of all, partying and drinking isn’t all it cracked up to be, and sometimes you need those weekends to yourself. Be your own person and be okay with it.