As we rapidly approach December 24th, we're approaching the end of first semester for many of us college students.

It's hard to believe that I moved into school almost 4 months ago and that the year is half over, and I'm sure many others would agree with me.

Here are some of the things that you'll learn throughout the first semester:

1. Sleep is important.

Sure, it's tempting to go out with your friends all weekend, or hang out with them until the early hours of the morning, for no reason other than the fact that you can. However, sleep is so important to the success of your academic career. You're gonna need at least 8 hours a night, so plan your time accordingly. Of course, it's much easier when you don't have 7:30 a.m. classes like you did in high school, but appreciate your rest. Also, NAPS. They are glorious. Utilize them.

2. Accept change, but stay true to yourself.

You're changing (whether you realize it or not). Those around you are changing. Your best friends from home are changing. College does that to you -- you're not monitored by your parents 24/7, and the person you want to be, largely, is decided by you. There's nothing wrong with a little bit of change, as long as you remember the person you have been for the last 18 years. Don't disregard him/her completely

3. You're gonna miss home.

You go in with this idea that you're never going to, but of course you are. I went to college 45 minutes away and I still miss home all of the time. It's the little things like the food and the idea of shower shoes that make you this way, and there's nothing wrong with that. Visit home if you ever need a break -- you'll appreciate it more than you'll probably think you will

4. Call. Your. Mom.

Call her! She's important too!

5. Make sure you come to school open-minded of others.

You probably spent the last 18 years surrounded by many of the same people and have developed your own idea of what a 'good' kid or a 'bad' kid is. For example, a 'bad' kid could be someone that drinks, because underage drinking is, well, illegal. But you can't judge people for their decisions in college. It makes it so hard for you to make friends if you feel like you're in the right and everyone else is in the wrong.

6. Don't feel like you have to fit in by doing what everyone else is doing.

Like I just said, you can be friends with people and not agree with all of their decisions, and that's fine. If your friends are doing things that you don't feel comfortable doing yourself, just don't do it! I feel like the media glorifies this idea that people always peer pressure you to do things you don't want to do (see also: 10th grade 'Just Say No' PSAs).They'll never push you in a place where you'll feel uncomfortable, because they're your friends, and they care about you first. Again, put your morals before peer pressure and listen to yourself.

7. Get ready to cry.

College will 100% make you break down at some point. For one, midterms week will make you want to just drop out at some point. Another time is when you come back from breaks and your parents leave you, and you get really sad. Maybe you failed a test. It's all going to happen, you just gotta keep yourself together and power through. Also, make sure you have a friend you can break down to and know they will be there to listen.

8. The Freshman 15 is real.

And you might not even notice it. I gained some weight the first few months I was at school, so I realized I had to do something to fix it. Use your Fit-Recs (or 'gyms'. I don't know what you guys call them at your colleges), read your school's nutritional facts at the meal stations, and don't go in absolutely terrified of gaining weight. It's totally manageable once you catch yourself.

9. Explore your city, or the cities around you

If you live in the city or a suburb near the city, get outside! College campuses are created to allow you to have everything accessible, and it's great, but you can't just stay there forever. You're eventually gonna get sick of Einstein's Bagels and UBurger. In BU, we have the Bubble, but Boston's an amazing city. My friends and I try to get out as much as we can, even if it's just for a walk on the Charles. Use the world around you and explore!

10. You owe it to yourself (and your student loans) to try

College is EXPENSIVE. Although it's, arguably, the most amazing time of your life, you need to remember why you're there. To study. You can party on the weekends, or sleep in on the weekends, but make sure school comes first and you set aside enough time for you to succeed. You might fail, but you need to at least attempt and set yourself up to do okay in classes and in schooling. It's an expensive, debt-full mistake if you don't.

There you have it! My first semester has been so unbelievable and I've met so many amazing friends. Open yourself up and try new things!