I went into college with the basic knowledge that any high schooler would have. Only time and maturation would teach me these lessons that I wish I'd known before I had even chosen a college to attend.

1. College is not the same as high school

Yes, This one is kind of a common sense thing. By the time I was a senior in high school, I was confident in who I was and what I wanted my life to be and how college was going to be. I was going to have the cutest dorm room and go to all the campus events. I was not going to go to bed by 10 pm like I did in high school. I was going to be an independent adult. That's not what happened. I begged my friends to let me go to sleep. I still call my mother everyday. I've matured greatly, but I was expecting an overnight change and that isn't likely to happen.

2. Your High School friends won't be as important to you anymore.

I was going to call and text my friends all the time and see them every weekend. I was very wrong. With classes, work study, campus activities, and new friends, high school became irrelevant to me anymore. Yes, I still have friends from high school that I talk to on occasion, but suddenly they aren't a big part of my life. Leaving high school and friends, is all a part of growing up and finding your place in life. There are forever friends, but once you meet new friends, the friends that already had a smaller place in your life, slowly vanish. It's not your fault.

3. Sleep is important

My freshman year, I started strong. I went to classes and events everyday. I did my homework and was genuinely happy, but I was exhausted. Staying up all night to cram for a test is great, but good sleep is also very beneficial. Study before 10 pm, and be asleep by 11 pm. That was my method whenever I started to slip up because I was so tired that I couldn't focus. I know my body needs rest to be able to function properly. The brain needs time to rest. I always thought college kids lived off coffee and ramen noodles and had plenty of energy for ultimate frisbee, I was very wrong. You're going to need sleep. It is okay to say "No" to going out to a movie with friends. You're in college to learn and it's easier to learn when your body and mind are not totally exhausted.

4. Go to class

I go to a private Christian school, so we have a limit on how much class we can miss. That is a blessing in disguise. I get so annoyed when I'm sleepy and want a couple more hours of rest, but I need to get to class. I use all my skips so early in the semester, and my grades will resemble that. I then have to bust my tail to bring my grades back up. Going to class helps keep you informed on assignments and if you pay enough attention, you might even learn something. Weird, right? Go to class and learn? College is weird like that.

5. There are going to be people you don't like

This applies everywhere in life. People you don't care for are going to be around you forever. I see so many people that get rude and hateful to those people they don't like. I've learned the hard way to always be nice and respectful to those you don't like. You don't have to be around them if you don't want to be, but always be nice. You will never know when you may need their help, or if you have a group project with them. It always helps to be on good terms with everyone to avoid any excess awkwardness.

6. Know who you are

Peer pressure is still a thing when you suddenly become a "real adult." Know where your morals are and how you want to live. I'm a Christian and no one will pull me otherwise. Being confident in who you are can make you feel comfortable anywhere. Now on that same hand, don't be afraid to try new things. If you're friend likes to hike, but you don't like nature, that is okay, but at least try it once. You might surprise yourself.

7. Who your friends are

I go to a college where at first, I knew absolutely no one. In high school, I'd known almost everyone since kindergarten. In college, surround yourself with people that make you a better person and people that make you happy. College is a chance to have true friends that may have grown up differently, which can play to your favor.

8. Call your mother

It may not seem "cool" or "hip" or whatever the young whippersnappers say these days, but your parents and family want to know you're okay. From living with your parents everyday for the past 18 or so years to being away from home, is a big adjustment for you and them. They will try not to call you every 10 minutes, but they want to. Never be afraid to just call up Mom or Dad and tell them what's going on in your life now. Brownie points if you call and ask for their advice, they would be thrilled.

9. Listen to what others have to say

You can be confident in who you are, but don't be afraid to take advice from people that have been through all this. I was stubborn and didn't want to ask questions about how or where to study or where the best place is to buy a milkshake is. I was clueless. Ask questions. It'll get you further than just guessing.

10. People are not out to get you

I'm a talker, but only if I'm in my element. When I'm somewhere new or doing something I've never done, don't be wary on asking for help. Most people are willing to tell you how or where to go ask. Working in sales at a theme park has truly helped teach me how to talk to anyone and everyone no matter what their background or how rude they might be. Nothing wrong with making small talk to people while standing in line in the cafeteria. They might become a good friend or resource for you down the line.

11. Study

I went from never having to study in high school, to being one that needs to study more than I want to in college. It took my GPA dropping and nearly losing all my scholarships to teach me that lesson. Some people will need to gain some discipline to do this. I still don't study as much as I should, but I'm getting better and better. I'm bringing my GPA up every semester.

12. DON"T PROCRASTINATE

I'm so bad with procrastination. This goes along with #11. Don't tell yourself that you can study later. Just suck it up and study early and often and get it all knocked out. even just 20 minutes of studying before supper every night can make a huge difference. Cramming isn't always the solution. I did that and I would get tired and never finish studying. It all goes back to teaching yourself discipline to sit there and study.

13. Have fun

Enjoy life. You are in college to learn, but you're also in college to grow and meet people. Don't let grades and work keep you from being happy, but don't let happiness be an excuse from studying and trying your hardest. A little sacrifice to study instead of going to a basketball game one night, will save you the awful feelings from getting a lower grade. Balance it all. Happiness is important. Be happy and be successful.