Going away to college is a very transforming time in students' lives. However, a lot of what you learn in your first year at school is not in the classroom but rather life lessons that you will carry with you beyond your four years in college.

1. Focus on yourself
2. Love yourself before you can let anyone love you
3. You will be put in situations where you have to make tough decisions
4. Stay true to yourself and your morals no matter what situations you’re exposed to
5. Stand your ground. If you give someone an inch, don’t let them take a mile.
6. Forgiveness—it’s important to move on and allow yourself to have closure.
7. Accept and be open to change
8. There’s still time to start over if you’re not happy with the way things are going
9. Take care of yourself—physically, mentally and emotionally. Your health should be your number one priority
10. Boys and girls really can be just friends
11. You can find your lifelong friends
12. Always be there for your friends, make sure you have each other’s backs
13. Alcohol, all people have limits.
14. You’re going to miss home.
15. Spend genuine time with genuine people
16. It’s okay to lose contact with old friends
17. Sign up for your classes as soon as possible.
18. You’re in control of your education. No one is going to force you to go to class or study.
19. The freshman fifteen is a real thing but it is avoidable
20. Do not give up the things you love
21. Don’t compare yourself to people
22. Be proud of your accomplishments
23. Don’t be afraid to ask questions
24. You are going to come across people that you don’t get along with
25. Find connections and build relationships with professors and alumni
26. Sometimes you’ll need to spend time alone
27. Discover how you learn and study best
28. Appreciate all the care packages your parents send you
29. Call your mom or dad or grandma or brother. They want to know that you’re doing well.
30. Get involved in as much as you can
31. Don’t bite off more than you can chew
32. Take advantage of opportunities
33. Try new things
34. Sleep when you can
35. Make your own decisions
36. Learn how to say no
37. It’s okay to ask for help
38. It’s okay to cry
39. It’s okay to fail
40. Enjoy every moment of it