Aside from living in a completely new place and having no curfew, there are other big changes once you get to college.

1. You get to sleep in.

My first class in high school started at 7:20 AM. Even if you have 8 AM classes in college, you're probably not getting up as early as you did in high school. You also have more time to sleep in because campus buildings are in walking distance, so you don't have to worry about catching a bus.

2. You can eat whatever (and whenever) you want.

No one tells you when to eat in college. And unlike high school where meals were a fixed amount of food, meal swipes in a college dining hall allow you to eat to your heart's content.

3. There are more places to study than just the library.

My favorite study spot at Syracuse is the Panasci lounge, which overlooks the promenade from Schine. There are endless quiet, cozy nooks around campus to choose from.

4. You're not in class all day.

Your schedule is much more spread out in college. Plus, you don't go to the same classes every day. Most classes only meet two or three times a week, which leads to more free time than you have in high school.

5. Teachers don't take attendance.

Although attendance is mandatory some classes, professors in large lectures will acknowledge that coming to class is not technically required. But college is way too expensive to ditch. PSA: Go to class.

6. You will refer to class syllabi for the entire semester.

Syllabi in college are your best friend, as they outline the entire year for you. High school teachers remind you frequently before an assignment is due, but college professors expect you to know from reading the syllabus.

7. Books are no longer free.

Textbooks will destroy your summer savings. ADVICE: use your Amazon Prime student discount to rent textbooks instead of purchasing from the bookstore.

8. You are responsible for scheduling your classes.

And to make sure you're completing graduation requirements.

9. Most clubs and organizations on campus are entirely student-run.

Extracurricular activities in high school were required to have a coach or advisor to facilitate meetings. One of my favorite things about college so far is that everything you can get involved in on campus is run by students. This opens the doors for numerous leadership opportunities within organizations.

10. Freshmen don't know each other the first week of school.

The last time I remember having to make friends was elementary school. College is exciting because you're no longer with the same people you've been with your entire academic career thus far. Yay fresh starts!