Whether you go to school in your hometown or decided to travel a bit further away, you enter the college life regardless. More freedom and making your own decisions could be both a blessing and a curse, but throughout the whole experience, college students learn several truths that correlate with colleges' campuses for both commuters and dormers alike.

1. Group me with GroupMe

The way we communicate has definitely changed throughout the decades. In today’s technological age, we have so much at the palm of our hands. What is even better? Having a life saver. When entering college, you most likely at one point download the GroupMe app. Give a bit of time and you will be in multiple groups, awaiting the next ding of a notification. Thankfully, there is a mute button.

2. 'Planner is life.'

A planner becomes the extension of your brain. If you can ask any college student about changes that definitely come with the transition to college life, 9 out of 10 times, being busy will come into the conversation. Keeping track of classes, work hours, organizations’ meetings, and events all the while maintaining a social life and sleep is the ultimate success. Just let me pencil that in.

3. Price checking is ideal.

Textbooks are expensive and that is a fact. Having the ability to look for it from other businesses is something to embrace. It is even better when you know you are not in desperate need of the text, and you can get away with not having to pay the beaucoup bucks and only get ten dollars back when trying to resell.

4. Your car becomes a second home.

When it comes to needing life's necessities, your car becomes your second home. You will have everything in it from snacks to extra clothing and perhaps a blanket and pillow. You might even camp out before class catching some Zzz's.

5. Parking demands punctuality.

One big lesson that is learned is, early is always better. Parking can literally be the worst. A campus has 20,000 students, but parking spots are a negative. You either spend your time circling to find a close one or walking the long walk from ‘no man’s land.’

6. Section nap layouts.

When it comes to sleep, take it whenever you can get it. Whether it’s in your room, your car, or in some cases, a corner of one of the buildings.

7. Free stuff is everything.

Free stuff becomes your favorite thing. We hear plenty of jokes about how college students are broke, and what makes that better? Free stuff! Pens, planners, t-shirts, and of course, food. You can never go wrong with free food.