There are some things you do not learn until after you have experienced it. Here are the top 10 things I feel all girls about to leave for college need to know:

1. You are no longer a big fish in a small pond. You are a bioluminescent organism in the Pacific Ocean

In high school you might have been somebody that everybody knew, somebody that knew everybody, or maybe you were both. College is a little different in the sense that there are way more students, a lot more buildings, and not everyone grew up together. This is a good thing, though, because it exposes you to diversity and allows each day to be the opportunity to meet someone new. Make a splash in a new place.

2. Your pant size will increase, so do not act surprised. It is inevitable

Stress, fast food, and a busy schedule make the perfect recipe for weight gain. It happens to everyone, unfortunately. Believe me when I say that the freshman 15 is an actual thing. The soft-serve ice cream machine is no longer your friend.

3. The duration of naps is critical

Taking naps can be a good thing or a bad thing depending on the time of day you crash and how long you sleep for. Although a three hour nap after an all-nighter sounds better than a hot chocolate chip cookie, it can come back to bite you in the butt. When it comes time to actually go to bed that night you will not be able to sleep and then the cycle will continue (take it from someone who knows). The smartest thing to do is to take a quick 20-minute power nap. This will get you reenergized and still allow you to sleep at night. Kiss the sluggishness goodbye!

4. It is perfectly fine not to drink

Although the drinking scene is something that is completely available for you to take part in (no matter where you decide to go to school) it is your choice whether you choose to be a part of it or not. Find friends who will not judge you for making that decision. Peer pressure and drinking never end well and you should never feel ashamed or embarrassed.

5. Don’t forget that you’re there to get an education

The college life provides a plethora of distractions. There are clubs to join, friends to hang out with, and restaurants to waste your money at. Keep your eye on the prize: your degree. It takes a lot of self-control, focus, and determination to put your studies first. If you make your classes your main priority, you will succeed and the satisfaction of getting good grades compares to few other things in the world. Wear that backpack with pride.

6. Asking for help is not embarrassing

Everyone rides the struggle bus at some point during their college career. Do not let your pride get in the way of asking for help. Believe it or not, there are people that are smarter than you and most of the time they are willing to teach you what they know. College is not like high school. You can no longer get good grades without studying and the rigor of your courses will hit you like a train if you don’t prepare yourself. Asking for help or signing up for a tutor is not something to be ashamed of because every student has strengths and weaknesses.

7. A shower cap is a must-have

The days of putting your hair in a ponytail in order to keep it dry while in the shower are gone. The showers in residence halls are big enough to do a turn with your arms at your sides, which means the shower head projects water on every square inch of that place. The only solution to this problem is a shower cap. This cheap, plastic headpiece will ensure that zero moisture reaches your dry hair while standing in a shower big enough for a yardstick.

8. Keeping a secret stash of snacks is vital

If I had to describe college in two words they would be spontaneous hunger. Even if you eat right before you go to class you’re bound to get hungry during a lecture. I personally recommend granola bars, fruit snacks, pop-tarts, and crackers. In addition to that, always carry something to drink because we all know walking to class is a sure way to get dehydrated. Don't be the one who’s stomach growl is louder than the professor’s voice (once again, I have been that person).

9. Take every stereotype you have about sororities and throw them out the window

The media portrays Greek life in an extremely negative light. What a lot of people don’t know is that sorority women work very hard for their philanthropies, focus on developing sisterhood, and strive to bring out the best in each other. Having an immense amount of pride in something is a great feeling and you can earn that by rushing a sorority. Give it a shot; you won’t regret it.

10. Not every professor is going to hold your hand

Do not be surprised if you email a professor a very wordy, professional, well put together email and receive a one word response that indicates they sent it from their cell phone. Your professors are not there to be your friend, although some are super cool and you wish they were. Treat them with respect and know that they are there to teach you whatever it is they specialize in. You will be treated as an adult and are expected to act like one as well. So when your professor does not send out a mass email to remind you of a paper that’s due on Friday, do not be surprised. That is your job.

Take it from me, a girl that's been there, knowing these 10 things is crucial to surviving that first semester.