I was so excited for move in day at Appalachian State (go 'neers.) A new place with new people. I thought I would be coming home about 3 weeks later for Labor Day weekend, but life happens and I ended up having to stay at school. Fast forward to today, I'm home for winter break after finishing my first semester (woo.) I've learned quite a lot since move in, and not just in class.

1. Don't expect sleep. In high school, I thought I didn't get enough sleep and I was almost always in bed by 11 on week nights. In college you'll be eating ramen noodles at 11. Any night I go to bed before midnight is early.

2. You're going to gain weight. The "freshman 15" is no joke. I stayed the same weight for my entire senior year of high school, no matter what I ate. I've gained 10 pounds since starting college and I'm only halfway done. How could I not when I can walk to Mcallister's and get cookies delivered to my dorm??

3. You're going to meet a ridiculous amount of new people. I went to school with only one other person from my graduating class, a few from classes above me, and a couple other people I knew from home. You're going to live with new people, have classes and clubs with new people, and start conversations with random people on campus.

4. Every time you meet someone new, you will discuss the following three topics: What's your major? Where are you from? Where are you living? EVERY. TIME.

5. You're going to do things you wouldn't have in high school. Maybe this is shots of tequila, maybe this is smoke, maybe this is go on three dates a week. You won't be the same person you were in high school and that's okay.

6. It's going to feel like summer camp for a couple of weeks. When you first move in it's going to feel like you're just away at camp. Eventually it'll sink in that you really live here. School will start feeling like home before you know it.

7. Rumors aren't just in high school. While it's not as bad as high school, people will always talk about each other. You're going to hear something that someone said about you that isn't remotely true. Don't worry about it too much and don't believe everything you hear.

8. Feeling homesick doesn't mean you don't like your school. Everyone misses home sometimes. There is absolutely nothing wrong with longing for home.

9. High school finals week doesn't compare to college finals week. Learn the term LDOC (Last Day Of Classes.) That night you'll either be partying or studying, up to you. Finals week means cramming, crying, and 807 things due all at once. Good luck.

10. College is the time of your life. I have fallen in love with my school. I have found life long friends and I wouldn't trade this last semester for the world.