Coming out of Senior Year in high school was one of the most exciting moments of my life. No longer having school for eight hours a day, getting to sleep in a little longer, the list of amazing things in college was never ending. But, as that first year at the University of Rochester now comes to close, it's time to reflect on the things that I have learned and the things that I didn't realize until being a freshman in college.

1. Time Management is Key

I always was good about when I did my homework, when I went to work, all of the things needed to keep a good schedule. When I got to college, all of that kind of changed. Having crew in the morning meant that I had to get up around 5:30, so in order to really get enough sleep I had to go to bed around 9:30 pm. This is especially hard as a college student because there is a lot of intensive work to do. So, I had to make sure that all my work, when not in class, was getting done so that when 9:30 did roll around, I could just get in bed. What I found to work best was keeping a schedule with specific times on it. I mean, Google Calendar became my best friend very quickly, no doubt.

2. You Really Don't Have to Dress for Class

Yes, 9 am classes are hard. But, having practice in the morning go until 8:30 meant there was little time to change for class. So, I went to class in layers. I didn't have to impress anyone else there either, because they were all in sweatpants and sweatshirts. Sure, there were some that by noon that were able to transform into functioning humans in dresses or jeans, but no one expected you to be ready by 9 am. In college, everyone was very accepting of your clothing choices.

3. You're Going to Lose Friends, and That's Okay

I thought I could keep all my friends from high school and that it would be okay, that things would be smooth sailing. I didn't realize how wrong I was. I mean, I kept a few, but it's harder than you think to keep all the friends you had in high school. College changes you more than you think. Friends aren't going to accept you, and some are going to accept you now more than ever. That's a change you have to accept, even if you don't want to.

4. You'll Miss Your Family More Than You Think

Sure, those first few weeks will seem awesome, staying away from home for a long period of time, getting to do things on your own schedule, eating ALL of the ice cream available in the dining hall, but after a while, you start to miss the little things. Your family movie nights, walking your dog, the dinners that were homemade, the list goes on. Missing your family is okay, and pretending that you don't will only hurt you more.

5. You Have to Learn How to Say No

It's hard, given how many awesome things might be happening around campus. But, being able to say no to some cool lecture might be a yes to a concert on campus. Picking and choosing was one of the hardest things I did, but in the end, I got to see Bill Nye the Science Guy, BJ Novak, and Hoodie Allen instead of going to see my friends at parties. Even events like that are worth missing other things for. I chose to study one day when there was a cool speaker at the Simon School of Business, and that decision was hard to make. But, it's those decisions that really allow you to be your own person.

6. You Really Don't Need to Bring that Many Shirts to College

You'd be surprised at how many free shirts you get at college. I probably have over 10 at this point, not including all the sorority gear I've gotten, philanthropy event shirts, the hats, the megaphone, the food, the bracelets, need I go on? I was surprised that there would be so many, but it was good to realize that my definition of too much, could be finally achieved. When packing for college, incoming freshman, remember, you will be getting a TON of free stuff. Take that free stuff for granted. I mean, technically, you paid for it.

7. Finding a Study Spot is Hard

I studied somewhere different my second semester than my first. It's not to say the first place wasn't great, but I couldn't focus. Now, I study somewhere different and get more work done. But, next semester, it could be different. Don't feel forced to study with friends if it doesn't work for you. Find an environment that best suits your study habits, it's the best way to get your work done and to make the most of your education.

8. Sometimes, Relaxing is the Best Thing You Can Do

The stress really gets to you in your first year. What you expected may come around and smack you in the face harder than you expected. If you do feel stressed, don't be afraid to take a mental day. Professors understand that college can stress you out, and that it can be hard to focus sometimes. Honestly, resting may be the best thing for you that day.

9. Join the Clubs You Want to Join

I loved being in Student Government in High School, so when I got to college, I continued that trend. I didn't join a business-related fraternity, even though my major was in business. I could have, but I wanted to do what I wanted to do. That meant joining clubs and associations that I really enjoyed. Honestly, I enjoyed SA more than I have enjoyed most things in college, so making that decision was important to me. There's no reason that an English major can't be part of robotics club, and there's no reason that a Biomedical Engineering Major can't be part of an English Council. Make the most of every experience you can possibly have.

And finally,

10. Be Yourself

You're going to want to change who you are in college. It's a totally new slate, and you get to recreate yourself into someone you want to be. But, you should stay true to yourself and let your true colors show through. Every moment in college is a step in the direction of "adulthood." There is no reason you should pretend to be someone you are not in order to impress people. People will learn to love you for you and to enjoy what that real version of you is. Sure, there will always be people who do not love you, but that doesn't mean that your real self isn't loved. If you love who you are, professors, co workers, friends, colleagues, employers, they will all know that you are confident in yourself and that you are a person they want to be around. But more than that, if you can't be confident in yourself, no one will be. You have to like yourself before you can get other people to like you. And trust me, liking yourself will give you all the rewards you could want.

So, there you have it. While a small amount of 10, these are a few of the things that freshman year taught me. Studying for exams and being around people I now love really showed me that U of R was really the place for me. And hopefully, to my dear incoming freshman of the class of 2020, you learn to love Rochester just as much as me. Take my advice, and if you don't, well, I hope you love it here anyways, and hopefully you learn a thing or two along the way.