As my first semester of college nears its end, I've found myself looking back on all the thing's I've learned. Some of them a good, some of them less so, but they're important all the same. And maybe you'll think so too.

1. Procrastinating is a bad idea

When staring down a deadline, it's often easier to block out the dread of a blank page with a season of Netflix or a nap. And though this may have been easy enough in high school, when you have two 2000 word papers and a power point due the same week, procrastination is never a good idea. Regardless of how stressful the thought of doing the assignment now is, it has nothing on that moment of panic when you realize you don't have the time to do what you need to.

2. And you're going to do it anyway

Maybe it's because you like being stressed, or still believe that you actually work better under pressure (you don't). You know it's not a good idea, but you're going to do it anyway; like sleep deprivation and questionable life choices, it just seems ingrained in the college experience.

3. You're going to get sick. A lot.

This was the part no one told me about. On move-in day, everyone brings their own distinct set of germs from home— which are promptly left on every surface on campus, just waiting to be picked up and spread around your dorm. For the first several weeks, everyone is sick. Followed by series of smaller plagues throughout the semester. But silver lining— you'll never be the only one hacking up a lung in lecture.

4. Class isn't mandatory, but you still need to go.

The temptation is always there. Why go to class when you could study for a different one, or do that essay you've been putting off on for a week— well least that's what you'll tell yourself before sleeping in another hour. Freshman year means at least a couple of lecture halls, where you know no one would notice your absence. But just because you don't have to go, doesn't mean you don't need to.

5. Dorms are terrible.

Dorm room seems to breed drama; after all often times the only thing you'll have in common with your roommates is your school. But even if you love your roommate, you probably won't love sharing a bathroom with your floor, or the complete non-existence of privacy.

6. The food is terrible for you

While better than the food in your high school cafeteria, like most mass-produced food it's full of sodium and carbs. There are usually a few healthy options, but they tend to be limited and repetitive. Plus, it's just generally hard to eat a salad when your surround by so many fat-filled options. But it's called the freshman 15 for a reason, right? At least that's what I tell myself while downing an ice cream cone for the 5th time this week.

7. You realize how unprepared you are for life

I'm sure some people come to college knowing things like how to buy health insurance or get credit, or the various other things required to live life without your mom's help. I, like many of us, are not one of those people. College puts a lot of things into perspective, most notably how you're generally unprepared to live in the real world; but at least you have four more years to figure it out.

8. Also how much living actually costs

There's nothing like the sudden realization that you just signed a form indebting you to the government for the next 30 years or so. Not to mention the costs of things like food, or soap or the other necessities you never realized were so expensive.

9. Coffee isn't just for mornings

There are a lot of reasons to drink coffee; actually more so than not. Whether you're trying to wake up for an 8 A.M, deal with the afternoon crash, or stay awake long enough to finish a paper, coffee becomes a tool. Eventually, it becomes necessary, and not having it results in withdraw symptoms you didn't know caffeine could give you— but that's beside the point.

10. Get involved

Despite the workload, you'll still have a lot of free time on your hands. Rather than spending countless hours staring at your laptop, look for an activity to join— there's literally something for everyone on campus, regardless of how specific or bizarre your interests may be.

11. It's going to be okay

Despite any fears you might have about college, you got this. Sure, though college can be completely and utterly terrifying at times, it's worth it— despite the crippling a debt and massive workload.