Going in to my first year of college, I was full of excitement and nervousness. I didn’t really know what to expect. I read blogs and websites, but those don’t really prepare you for your experiences. Now in my sophomore year, there are still things I’m learning about college.

Freshman 15 Is Real

This is a very real thing, especially when every food is flavored with salt. This doesn’t stop after your freshman year either, it continues into all your years. Just be aware of what you eat and stay hydrated to counteract the salt.

You Are Constantly Meeting New People and Changing Your Friend Group

You will have classes where you don’t know anyone in the room. This happens pretty frequently, especially if your friends are a different major than you. If you’re shy, it’s okay, you’ll usually have group work that will get you to know people in your class. If you’re social, then talk to the person next to you or behind you, you might make a friend!

The First Test in a New Class Is Not Going To Be Your Best

Each professor creates their tests differently; they don’t expect you to know their testing style right off the bat. The expect you to improve as you go. If your first test doesn’t go so well, don’t be discouraged. You’ll be better prepared for the next exam because you’ll know their testing style, and there are always office hours if you’re worried.

Wear Whatever You Like

Honestly, no one really cares what you dress like, whether you go to class in your sweats, or wear a dress, no one is going to judge you. College is not as catty as high school; there aren’t cliques that sit there judging every person’s clothes that walk by. As long as you are confident in what you’re wearing, then rock it.

College Is Stressful

This seems pretty obvious, but I think that people underestimate how hard college really is. I was one of those kids that didn’t really study for classes in high school and got A’s. That is not that way in college. You should be studying 2 hours for every 1 hour of lecture. That can be hard to balance when you have many classes and extracurricular. You will get overwhelmed and may even shed some tears. You are not alone in that. Sometimes you just need to cry and usually that helps.

Know Your Limits

This can go for any aspect of your life at any point in your life. However, I think it is especially important for college. In college, you will be asked to get out of your comfort zone, and you definitely should. But, do not lose your values while you’re exploring the world. Everyone has a line, and when that line is crossed, take a step back. Know your line, whether it pertains to how many activities you join, how much you drink, or how many new things you try. College is a great time to find your true self, but make sure, while you’re finding out who you really are; you don’t lose parts of yourself.

Enjoy Everything It Has To Offer

College has amazing opportunities and there are incredible people that are waiting to meet you. Take everything college has to offer whether it’s that class that has nothing to do with your major but interests you, going on late night trips with your friends, staying in a weekend and being productive, going to activity fairs, anything that could possibly expand your world, do it. This is the time to become who you are meant to be.

Take risks, get out of your comfort zone, and just enjoy life.