You went to high school to prepare yourself for four exciting years of college. Then you get to college and you start to realize that there are major adjustments you didn't even think of before leaving. The seventeen years that you've already experienced soon turns into the crazy, exciting and stressful times known as college. There are aspects of life you didn't know were there, things you didn't know you had to think about and moments you start to appreciate a whole lot more.

1. A new level of independence

In high school, you had a routine. Wake up, go to school, go to extracurriculars, do school work, eat dinner, and go to bed. However, you’re in college now, which means you don’t wake up the same timeevery day, you don’t always have a full day of classes and you find yourself staying up pretty much all hours of the night hanging out with friends. There’s no more texting mom and dad every minute of the day. You realize you can start to be more adventurous because... who is stopping you?

2. An increased workload

Your senior year you were consumed with "senioritis." Unfortunately, college has no time for this made up disease.

3. Worrying about the “Freshman 15”

The dining hall, staying up late and increased stress are all factors that have been rumored to cause the horrid "Freshman 15." Being a freshman in college you have to keep reminding yourself not to fall victim.

4. Realizing you need to start making your own meals

What do you mean dinner won't be on the table when I get back? College definitely makes you appreciate your moms cooking.

5. Meeting all new friends

Graduating high school meant leaving your best friends behind. However, you start to realize that college is the time for you to meet all new people who you will soon be able to call your best friends. Although this might be a scary time in the beginning, it all works out for the best.

6. You have an increased sense of school spirit

In high school, your school spirit seriously lacked. However, the introduction of game days, cute university apparel, and a beautiful campus will soon cause you to have a heightened sense of pride.

7. You are living with someone 24/7

Being a freshman in college means going from living with your parents to living with one of your best friends. You spend all hours of the day laughing, talking and trying new things together.

8. A whole new meaning to the term Work Hard Play Hard

Your high school week consisted of school Monday- Friday and going out Friday night and Saturday. The dynamic of college changes up your standard week because of the combination of school getting harder and a greater level of independence. You now work Monday-Friday but start to go out on weekdays too.

9. Realizing you have to start thinking about what you want to do in life

No longer can you answer the question of "What do you want to be when you grow up?" with the president, pop star or superhero. Ultimately, you come to college with the main goal of having a serious career in life.

10. Being on a budget

You start to appreciate the value of money a lot more. Say goodbye to the days of eating out every night and shopping sprees.

Times have changed but in a good way. College is a time to grow into yourself and experience some of the best four years of your life. Don't hesitate to take these adjustments and make the best of them.