Dear Soon To Be College Student,

I was in your shoes not too long ago, excited to enter a whole new chapter in life. College is so many different things; it's new, it's exciting, it's fun. College is a chance to get out of the high school phase of life and start focusing on you and your future. While all of this can be super cool and exciting, there are some things that people don't tell you about college that you need to know.

For starters, college is hard. It's lots of fun and it's amazing being in a new environment on your own. But don't forget, you're still going to school. This is no longer high school; you aren't going to cruise on through just trying to get good grades so your parents don't yell at you. College is for YOU.

College is what helps you build your future. Your ability to obtain a degree determines your future. You aren't doing this just because you have to anymore. You're in school because you're paying to be there. You're in school to come out with a degree that will get you a job and help support you when you're out there in the real world.

So yes, college is hard. Classes can be challenging and you need to remember that while you can't always expect yourself to get straight A's, it's very important that you try your best. College requires effort. You're building your future, so do yourself a favor and put the effort in so you can be successful.

One of the best things about college is that it's a fresh start. You are starting a new chapter of your life with a clean slate. No one knows your past and no one has to if that's how you want it to be. This is a time for you to be who you truly want to be. If you had any ghosts in your closet in high school, it's time to set them free. When you head off to college, don't forget that you are in a completely new environment. You have a chance to decide what kind of people enter your life, you have the ability to be yourself without anyone expecting you to be a certain way.

There are no expectations for you, you can be or do anything you want. With that being said, don't pretend to be someone you're not. If you didn't already in high school, then use this as a chance to be yourself free of judgment from those who have known you for years. It's a great new start.

Lastly, remember that this is the beginning of adulthood for you... and it's not as glorious as it seems. I know you probably want your parents out of your hair by now. Trust me, I felt that way too. But before you know it, you'll be calling your mom at least once a week to ask her your millions of questions, or even just to talk.

Living without your parents is hard: no one cooks homemade meals for you, no one reminds you to buy little things you need like paper towels. You're on your own, and while it is lots of fun, it's hard. So be ready to call your parents when you need them, and realize that it's okay to take a while to adjust to living without them.

College is an amazing time, and you'll create memories you'll never forget. However, it can be hard and frustrating to get adjusted to your new life. So always remember to just be the best you can be and put your best foot forward. This is the start to your future and you have the ability to make it great.

Sincerely, the girl who was in your shoes.