As I look back on my transition from a high school senior to a college freshman, I have noticed so many things in which I received. I received tangible items, while I also received valuable life lessons. I am grateful for all that college has given me, and I hope that my sophomore year gives me way more! Here are 10 things that my college experience thus far has given me, and I hope that you will find some similarities in what your college experience has given you.

10. Never ending FASFA

For those who are unsure of FASFA, it stands for "Free Application of Federal Student Aid." This endless process takes about 10 years off your life, while also giving you grey hairs. As for me, a middle class individual with a comfortable income, I qualified for absolutely nothing. Go FASFA!

9. Luxurious Dining Hall Food

I will tell you this right now, the food in dining halls are not good. People will tell you, "Oh you have options" or ,"Just get a salad." No. It does not matter what you get in your dining hall. Odds are, that you will develop a heart disease by the end of the semester, or you will have a case of the "It is coming out of both ends situation." Good luck, freshman, may the food be ever in your favor.

8. A Despicable Bank Account Balance

You can almost guarantee that your bank account balance in school will be almost nauseating to look at. From using your debit card to buy food that tastes just a little bit better than the dining halls, to buying a new outfit for that party. The balance will constantly be decreasing. It really is sad to think about that all the money in your account is going to food that your parents have already paid for with your meal plan.

7. All of the Possible Illnesses Known To Man

I will tell you right now, you will get sick in college. It might happen once, it might happen twice, hell, it might even happen every single month. From sharing drinks to living in a dorm with a communal bathroom, germs are bound to make their way into your body. Let me let you in on a little secret about these germs too. They don't care if you have an 8 am class in the snow, and they sure as hell do not care if you have four exams in one day. All they care about is making you feel so icky that you do not want to even leave your bed, but the reality is that you have to.

6. About 50 Different Closets

Yes, I am serious about this one. "I will not wear this dress more than once," said every college girl ever. You will meet an enormous amount of people at school, and with that comes a lot of extra clothes! You will never have to worry about re-wearing an outfit again, thanks to your 50-plus closets you somehow make your way to each weekend.

5. Responsibility

On a more serious note, we begin with responsibility. With being on your own as you leave for college, many people will not realize the amount of responsibility they need to have. With freedom, comes a lot of responsibility. I have definietly seen people at school who have it all under control, and I also see people who mess around and have absolutely no responsibly for their actions. Being responsible is something that college will for sure give you. If you do not already have it, then you are in for a rude awakening.

4. Motivation

Let me put this to you in the most simple way possible. You are in college for a reason. One day down the road, you will hopefully get the career of your dreams, find a significant other, have a kid or two and settle down. There is only one way to get towards that dream. Motivation. You need to be motivated in order to achieve your goals. In the words of Walt Disney, "The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing."

3. Friendships and Connections

This one is a 100% guarantee. You will meet some of your absolute best friends in college. The only way this will happen, is if you get involved and make yourself known. The college experience is complete by joining clubs and getting yourself involved on campus. With this, you will be able to meet so many different types of people and make unbelievable connections. I have met some of my best friends in such a short amount of time. These are the people you will want to associate yourself with down the line.

2. Endless Memories

The memories you make in college will be the ones you remember till the day you die. You will create memories with some of your best friends. People will tell you that college is the best four years of your life. I can already tell you, just by completing one year, those people are so correct. These will be the memories that you will laugh about on your wedding day, or when you have your first kid. College memories will always be the best memories.

1. A Forever Home

Your college will turn into your home away from home. College is all about what you make of it. Go in with open arms and you will have the absolute time of your life. Looking back at all these funny things that college has given me, a home has got to be number one. I remember how hysterical I was when my family dropped me off at school. My mom said it would take time to adjust. She was right. Now, a college sophomore, I can say that I am definitely at my happiest when I am home. Penn State is my home.