1. Mashed Potato Sandwiches

Amongst other interesting food options, a mashed potato sandwich stands out as the oddest. Created by my roommate, it is instant mashed potatoes lovingly spread over those addicting Hawaiian rolls we all know and love.

2. Sleeping through class isn't the end of the world

I thought I was going to be the person that never missed class. Well, the second week of classes I got the cold of death and Nyquil’d up before bed…only to sleep through my alarm. It happens, and your professors understand that you’re not perfect.

3. Your professors want to help you

On that same professor note, don’t be afraid to ask them questions! At first I was worried about pestering my professors with emails. I have since decided if I have a question, it is a lot easier to shoot them a quick email and find out the answer than sit and worry about it all night.

4. It's all about who you surround yourself with

As cliché as it sounds, you will become like who you hang out with the most. If you are trying to get high grades but are hanging out with friends who stay up until 3 or 4 every night partying, it’s going to be difficult for you to not be influenced by them.

5. You can get sick from too much coffee.

Our library has free coffee and that is something I have taken advantage of almost too much. I often leave from a long study session with twitchy fingers from caffeine overload and a cramping tummy from a lot of coffee and not a lot of food.

6. You'll always miss your mom when you're sick

No matter how old you are, the only thing you want when you’re sick is your mom. When I had the above mentioned cold of death, I missed my mom tucking me in on the couch with a fluffy blanket, putting in Disney movies for me to watch, and giving me ginger ale with a bendy straw.

7. Hold yourself accountable

First semester college students sometimes tend to have a lot going on. It’s hard to figure out how to balance school, play time, and sleeping. However, you can’t blame your friends when your homework isn’t done and you can’t blame your professor when you get a low score on a test. Make sure that you stay grounded and take responsibility for your own actions.

8. Wake up earlier than 15 minutes before class.

It sucks, but you will feel so much better if you didn’t have to sprint to your 8am in your pajamas.

9. FaceTime your old friends

College can seem lonely. You have friends, but you don’t really know each other enough to talk about anything other than school work or other shared activities. This is where you need to talk to your old friends! Don’t be afraid to call or text one of them and say “Hey, I really need someone to vent to, wanna meet for lunch?” Chances are, they probably feel the exact same way.

10. Napping is your best friend and your worst nightmare.

If you take too long of a nap, it just feels like you started the day over. Too short and it was merely a waste of time. Time your naps correctly, an hour and a half is just about the perfect amount of time.

11. Guard your time fiercely

Many times it feels like you have to be in 5 places at once. Prioritize and decided what needs to get done. Down time during the day may seem like a good time to watch Netflix, but if you get your homework done during the day, then you’ll have all night to binge watch Stranger Things!

12. Hug your pets extra tight when you're home

Your pets are the hardest thing to leave. Your mom and brother you can call or text, but poor Fluffy or Fido is unreachable. Give them some extra love when you’re home and take as many selfies with them as you want to reminisce when you’re back in your animal-free dorm.