As college progresses, you learn so many life lessons. Those lessons can be gained from positive experiences or even failures. Nonetheless, you eventually obtain wisdom that you can carry with you for the rest of your life. Here are nine important lessons you learn in college.

1. Eating right is tough, but definitely worth it.

Whether you have a dining hall or your own kitchen, you are faced with a lot of freedom with your eating habits in college. If you eat foods that are better for you, you will generally feel better. Not to mention you have to fuel your brain, which is on constant overload with all of the school work. Also, be weary of unhealthy foods in disguise. Your salad can end up being just as many calories as a cheeseburger if you pile it up with bacon, cheese, fatty dressings, etc.

2. It pays off to exercise or stay active somehow.

If you are constantly just sitting at your desk in front of your laptop, you will probably lose your mind. Aside from maintaining your mental health, your body will thank you if you get the blood pumping and endorphins flowing. Staying active doesn’t necessarily mean going out to take a five mile run. You can work at whatever level you choose. Activities like group fitness classes, playing an intramural sport or taking a walk in the woods can be fun ways to stay moving.

3. You should get involved in something.

In college, there are innumerable clubs and organizations to be a part of. Whether you are a mathlete, an athlete, an artist or a natural born leader you will be able to find an organization that you can really relate to. You will be able to find a group of individuals that you share a common interest with, and it can help you to create bonds and relationships with new people. However, be sure to only join what you can handle in addition to schoolwork. You don’t want to spread yourself too thin and become overwhelmed.

4. Keeping an open mind is the way to go.

There are always a plethora of new opportunities that come your way in the form of internships, classes, clubs, job opportunities and more; therefore, it’s crucial to maintain an open mind. Although something may seem scary at first, it could really end up helping you in the long run. Keep an open mind about other individuals too, because you never know when someone could end up being your best friend.

5. You actually do need sleep at some point.

I can’t stress enough how important sleep is to your health and well-being. It is also something that college students tend to get a severe lack of. So, make sure to get in those hours even during hectic weeks. Naps are your best friend when you have early classes after late-night study sessions.

6. Your family deserves some love.

No matter how old you get and how far along in your college career you are, it’s important to let your family know that you are alive and well. They probably miss you a lot and you probably miss them at times too, so don’t forget to give them sporadic shout outs. If you are going through a tough time or celebrating a good time, your family will always be there for you. If you attend a university close enough to your house, you can also drop by home every now and then.

7. You have to find your balance.

Get into a groove with your schedule for the semester. Use a planner or calendar of some sort in order to keep track of all of the things you need to accomplish or plan to do. Find a balance between work and play. Everyone manages time differently so you just have to find what works best for you.

8. Study early. Don't cram.

Eventually every college student comes to the realization that you actually need to study for some classes. Sure, you will still have the occasional "fluff" class, but the majority of your classes take a little more. You also learn how to study, which means spacing material out into manageable sections rather than cramming all at once.

9. Sometimes you just need to take a break.

Sometimes the best remedy for a breakdown is to just take a step back and chill out. College gets overwhelming sometimes; so, if you need to throw in some headphones, pop some popcorn, kick up your feet and watch your favorite Netflix show for a study break, I say go for it. Enjoy all of the moments of college and don’t let little bumps along the way get to you.