College it’s something that we all look forward to, whether it’s the excitement to get started on the path to your dream job, or maybe that you will be away from home for an extended period time without Mom and Dad hovering over your shoulder telling you what to do every second of the day. No matter what, we all have a reason why we want strive to go to college as soon as possible. My freshman year of college was….interesting, but throughout the year I have learned a lot. So, what I learned my freshman year is, *Spongebob voice*…

1. You will find every way to save money

I never realized how broke I truly was until I got to college. Ninety-nine percent of the time I opened my wallet a cloud of dust flew out, spider webs were found in the corners and a slight hum of sad violin music played in the background. No matter where you are, you will always find a way to save money. Whether you put money aside to make sure you always have some type of cash on you, or if you were like me and looked under your bed for fallen change and went to Applebee's after 10 p.m. for half-priced apps...we all have our way of saving money. Best believe you will find your own!

2. Coffee and 5 Hour Energy are your best friends

Whether it's a paper due the next day that you haven't started yet, or studying for finals...no matter the case you will have late nights in front of your computer screen and the book you have been "reading" for class. I hated coffee and energy drinks when I first started college. Two papers and one exam later, I had Red Bulls and 5 Hour Energy containers stocked up on the shelf right above my desk. So be prepaid to be hyped up at two o'clock in the morning. May the odds of getting sleep that night be ever in your favor...

3. 8 a.m. classes are a no-go

If you were like me, you would think that putting your classes first thing in the morning would be the best idea ever so you would have the rest of the time for yourself. Boy, was I wrong. Word of advice: If you're not a morning person don't schedule an 8 a.m. However, if you are a morning person....still don't do that to yourself. Take it from someone who thought scheduling an 8 a.m. everyday for an entire semester was a good idea!

4. GET INVOLVED.

From athletics to clubs, no matter what you are interested in...GET INVOLVED! That's one of the greatest things about college; there is something for everyone. I am part of the criminal justice club at my school, as well as a collegiate track and field athlete so I always have something to do whether it's practice/meet day or a meeting for the club. Even if your school doesn't have what you're interested in, go and start that club. Not just for you but those who also maybe interested in the same activity as well. Plus, the more you do in college the more you have to put down on your resume.

5. You'll miss your parents more than you think

No matter how bad you want to get away from home to have that new start when you go to college, you're going to miss your family more than ever. The occasional text and call are nice sure, but not seeing your parents everyday for an extended period time is going to hit you. Some more than others, but it is still going to hit you. So spend as much time with them as you can now! For me, I couldn't wait to leave for college and start over. Now every time it's time to go back to school from break, it gets harder and harder to leave home.

These are just a few things I thought I'd share to the ones entering college within the next couple weeks or so. Freshman year was amazing for me; everyone will have their own college memories that'll last a lifetime. However, there a few common themes that every freshman will go through, and these were the ones I encountered!