Well, this is it, guys. Our first year of college is officially over! We’ve been waiting to go away to college for about 19 years now and the hype has officially ended. Deny what you want, but it’s a sad realization to be leaving behind one of the most important years of our lives. This was the year where we met our soul mates, our best friends and made life-long connections. We learned how to fend for ourselves, how to use the laundry machines, how to live off dining hall (and microwaved) food, how to study more independently, how to manage our time, how to party responsibly, and how to be without our families.

As the year comes to a close, we look back and reflect on all the amazing experiences we had with the people we love. Even though one year is over, we still have more to go, so hold tight! Here are some things I learned this year and some tips for everyone who will live to see another day in the life of a college student at the University of Miami.

• You will become extremely close to your new friends. Maybe even closer than you were with your high school ones.
• You’re going to become friends with people who you never thought you would ever connect with.
• You’re going to try new things, good or bad.
• Always wear shower shoes in the communal bathrooms.
• It’s okay to walk around barefoot in the dorms and outside.
• Don’t leave your clothes in the dryer too long/
• In order to pull all-nighters to study, you gotta eat.
• There are better places to study than the library
• Starbucks is really expensive.
• You might get hit with a bike or skateboarder on the way to class.
• Some professors care, some don’t.
• The campus is beautiful. When you walk around, try to look up from your phone.
• Remember to prioritize, it’s OK to not have a job or not go to the gym if you have something more important going on.
• Being away from home is a curse and a blessing.
• The dorms are so fun to live in, I don’t care what anyone says.
• Learn how to manage your money before it’s all gone.
• It’s OK to put on the freshman 15…
• Don’t force any relationships... let things happen naturally.
• Don’t enter college with any expectations. Things can change for the better, and they always work out.
• Embrace and explore your sexuality.
• Be safe when you go out.
• Ubers are the move.
• Dining hall food hurts your stomach, so pack some TUMS
• There are two types of girls: ones who live for frat parties, and ones who live for clubbing.
• You will meet a lot of assholes, do not get discouraged.
• Frat boys are exactly what they are depicted to be.
• Leave your door open to everyone.
• School is hard, remember to put it first.
• You will be easily influenced, make sure it’s the good kind.
• Follow your passion.
• Stick to your schedule.
• Become close to the people you live with on your floor.
• Music is a wonderful way to connect with people.
• Try your best.
• Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy your time here-- this is the best it’ll get.
• You will cry a lot when you leave
• This is honestly the best school in the entire world...take it slow, take it all in.