One thousand miles is further than it seems.

1. I should go out even if I feel like staying in.

One of the best things you can do for yourself during the first semester of college is pushing yourself to go out and meet new people. Putting myself out there was how I met some of my closest friends.

2. Getting up before 8 a.m. is the struggle.

I’m not sure how I woke up at 6:30 a.m. during high school, I just know I can’t do it ever again.

3. I miss home cooking more than I ever thought I would.

The dining hall food here at school is a two-star dining experience if I’m being generous. Laying in my own bed and smelling dinner cooking in the kitchen or grilling ribs and eating with my family on the porch… those were the days.

4. Going to bed before 12 a.m. just does not happen.

I used to go to sleep early, then I started college.

5. I miss home more than I thought I would.

I miss having a car and being able to navigate the backroads without a second thought. I miss my favorite coffee shop and knowing my community. Living a thousand miles away means starting a new life in a brand new place which is fun and exciting, but that doesn’t mean I don’t miss home some days.

6. Not having a dog sucks.

Having a fur ball to sit next to me as I study for hours and type papers would be nice.

7. With freedom comes responsibility.

Do I have the freedom to stay up until 3 a.m. eating pizza and ice cream? Yes. Should I do that? Probably not.

8. FaceTime is the key to keeping in touch.

There’s nothing better than seeing and hearing someone you miss, even if it’s a phone.

9. It’s easy to overspend.

Going from working through high school and have some type of a weekly income to making no money at all means an extreme switch in spending habits. Not to mention paying for textbooks, class supplies, plane tickets etc. Learning how to budget like an adult is a struggle.

10. Time flies.

My first semester has been a whirlwind of new friends, adjusting to dorm life and struggling through my first college classes. It really has flown by, and I’m learning to appreciate every special moment and hold onto every memory.