My first year of college is definitely one for the books. It was weird to be away from home, but I definitely needed to cut the umbilical cord because I was way too attached to my mother for my own good. I knew I'd make friends, but I didn't know if I was ready to replace the ones I had at home. Or maybe I was. But making new friends didn't mean my old ones would be replaced either. I didn't know what to think about this transition from a big-shot high school senior to a tiny little college freshman. My freshman year of college definitely put me through more than I thought I could ever handle, but I am glad I know what to expect when I leave for college every other year.

For one thing, leaving for college does not mean leaving home forever. The day I left for college I cried a river. I felt as though I was being dropped off and being left in a prison. No, seriously. A tiny little room, with empty walls, people I didn't know... I felt trapped. In reality, though, going home was never any trouble. I just had to hop in a car and go. Being on campus does not mean you will never see your family, pet your dogs, or sleep in your own bed again. Relax. You will do all those things. It's gonna be okay.

You are going to lose contact with some friends from home, but that won't make you any less close. I went weeks without really speaking to some of my best friends, but when we went home for breaks, we were inseparable. I feared that college would ruin my relationships with everyone from home, but it never did. And if it does, the friendship wasn't strong enough to begin with. You're both going to be busy trying to make new friends and pass your classes. But nobody can replace your high school friends. I mean, they are the ones that stuck by you in your most awkward stages.

There really is nothing like a home cooked meal. I'm not gonna complain about the food at my school, because it's really not awful. But it is nothing compared to a nice, warm meal cooked by my mom. I really took that for granted growing up. I am all for going out to eat and ordering out, but now when I'm home, I'd much rather enjoy a meal from home. It's a nice change from cafeteria food and chips, for sure!

Homework is vital. Putting it off is not an option, unless you want your grades to suffer. High school made homework seem like a joke, but college is much different. Do your homework, trust me.

Don't be so quick to trust everyone you meet. Don't spend too much time partying. Time management is very important. You don't HAVE to know what your major is your freshman year. It's okay to be homesick. You will find your way. Just remember these things. Sometimes it takes a while to adjust, but things will work out if you let them.