1. I miss my mom way more than I thought.

You can tell yourself that you won't get homesick all you want. The reality is that you certainly will miss your mom, and she certainly misses you. She will appreciate the first day of school photo that your roommate took, just as much as you will appreciate her long paragraph about how much she loves you and how proud she is.

During the first week, I was on an emotional roller coaster. There were moments when I would be enjoying myself and taking in the campus, then soon after I'd be on the verge of tears. Nobody wants to cry around a bunch of strangers, but I can guarantee everyone else on your floor is sitting on their bed in tears at some point. Allow yourself to feel all of the emotions you have but don't forget that this is the path you're meant to be on right now, and soon it will feel like home.

2. Saying "Hi" to literally everyone I saw is how I met my new best friends.

Admittedly this might be a little obnoxious. But my roommate and I wanted to make a distinct effort to make friends and find similar vibes in people. I highly recommend getting a door stopper, and leave it open when you're in your room. Play some music and it is just the easiest way to meet the friendly faces of your dorm hall.

3. Naps are a heavenly experience in these twin XL beds.

I still miss my bed at home, but the beds at college have a way of sucking you in. If a normal fat nap for you lasts about an hour, expect to wake up four hours later. Especially, if you decide to nap during welcome week, you're destined to catch up on sleep you didn't even know you needed to catch up on.

On a different note, you also want to make your bed. If you haven't seen the Goalcast video about how making your bed sets you up for success, stop everything you're doing and watch it now. Making my bed every morning helps me feel ready for the day and is one less task to do before bed.

4. Welcome week is EXHAUSTING.

The orientation leaders stress so much about all of the mandatory events. Yes, they all have something to offer. But no, you should not force yourself to go without coffee or a nap just to get to that guest speaker. I had to learn to set my "FOMO" aside and take care of myself. You're also under a lot of emotional stress, having left your home and being in a brand new environment. Do yourself a favor and take that nap.

5. Gastrointestinal issues from the dining hall food, are NOT a myth.

Be prepared to sprint up to your dorm a few hours after you swipe your card. This is just a fair warning to next year's freshmen because sister we are struggling. There are myths and rumors going around that it's just getting used to the oils, the dish soap they use, or even there being laxatives in the food. Whatever it may be, the first week was hard on our stomachs. And I am honored to be the one to break it to you that you may want to grab some snacks before move-in day.

See also:11 Things I Would Rather Eat Than Dining Hall Food

Aside from the food giving us the sh*ts, the dining hall is a great place to make friends. It might seem intimidating but during welcome week, it is all freshmen in the exact boat as you. If you find yourself alone right before a meal and don't know anyone just yet, take your chance and sit at a random table. The worst that could happen is you don't vibe and you decide to leave as soon as you've finished eating. Not everyone you meet the first week will be your friend, and they don't have to be.