No matter how many articles you read or how many older friends you ask for advice, there will always be things you weren't expecting about college life. What you think college will be like versus what it's actually like will most likely be very different. The majority of college students are leaving their hometowns and moving away for the first time in their lives, and no one really knows how that will affect them. Experiencing it for myself, I can tell you that college will be one of the best times of your life. But you'll definitely endure a few twists and turns on the way to that diploma.

I think the one thing I've been asked about most about my time in college is living in the dorms. The only thing that I was really concerned about was having a roommate, which turned out to be a lesser worry. No one ever told me that I would probably grow to hate most of the people living on my floor. Especially the ones you share a bathroom with. Surprisingly, some people are smart enough to get into college but can't grasp the concept of cleaning up after themselves in the communal bathrooms. Who knew?

Additionally, something I didn't even really think about before moving into college was eating in the dining halls. I thought "Oh, I don't have to worry about cooking, it'll be open all night, it'll be fine!" No, I was very wrong. After about the first week, you'll get tired of eating the food and look for other options. The first semester I probably spent more money buying and ordering food than anything else. (You will also spend copious amounts of money on coffee, but that's unavoidable.) So to avoid blowing all your extra money on food, make sure to bring snacks with you that you can have in your dorm and bring with you to class or the library.

Something that was really disappointing to learn in college was that you won't stay friends with the majority of your friends back home. It's not really for any particular reason other than you don't see each other every day anymore or you just get busy. If I could pick one thing that I know now to be told before coming to college, it's that you should put an effort in to keep those friendships. (But only if the other person is putting in the same effort, if not, that's a whole other issue.)

But even with all the ups and downs and twists and turns, college should be a fun time and a learning experience all wrapped in one. As long as you prepare yourself for the unexpected setbacks (and go to class, and get enough sleep, and all those normal things) you should be just fine in all your college adventures.