So, here you are.

It's the end of senior year and you are wracking up graduation money and good times. Graduation, summer, and weeks full of moments declared as – your last –you have finally made it to the moment that everyone dreams about, but now that that's finally here: what's next? If college is right around the corner for you, you will receive more information than your brain can handle about where to go to school, what to pack, etc. As a freshman in college who is jammed right in the middle of finals week, I feel as though I should ease the process a little bit. Yes, the perfect bedding set and planner are essentials for your next transition of life, but there are some other things that I find even more important; I have made a list of my own.

Here are the things that are most often forgotten on that freshman packing list you get in the mail:

1. Courage.

As you take the leap into adulthood and living on your own, you will find yourself in an unknown world full of unfamiliar faces and uncharted places. You will no longer have your parents to monitor your every move and keep you on track; you will have to rely on yourself. You have been given the tools and the abilities to thrive in the setting you are now in – have the courage to jump in with both feet into the place you chose to be. Saying goodbye to your parents is going to be hard; saying goodbye to the life you once knew can sometimes be even harder.

Take a deep breath. Have courage. Say goodbye.

2. Open-mindedness.

Rush. Go to the party. Run for Student Government. Apply for the Honors Program. Try out for the spring musical. Do what makes you happy. Be bold; have fun. This is the time in your life to try new things and to shape your next four years in whatever way you wish. Obviously grades are important – that is the point in coming to college, for an education. But there are so many opportunities for learning that lie around every corner that do not have to do with your calculus textbook. Study and make the grades that will make your parents proud, but also be open to trying things you've never thought about. You might even meet your college best friend in the process.

3. Faith.

College is a time where your faith will be tested more than it ever has before; it is the time for you to grow in your walk with Christ. There will be moments when the only thing that will comfort you is the arms of Jesus, but you have to be the one to figure that out. Bring your faith that you have built up to this point along with you and as you grow and change, allow your faith to be a part of that. It's so important to surround yourself with people who will foster this growth and who will encourage you to let your faith guide you along the way. College is full of choices; you will make some good ones and there will be times when you make bad ones. What is ultimately the most important thing is that your faith stays the basis.

Let your faith guide the way.

I know that you will be incredibly busy packing up your childhood bedroom and moving it all to the next chapter, but don't forget to take with you what matters the most.